BUFFALO, N.Y. — Across the country, the trucking industry is facing a shortage of about 80,000 drivers.

Tom Mulvaney is the corporate recruiting manager for Wadhams Enterprises out of Phelps.

"Personally speaking, I could use 90 today just in our Northeast network," Mulvaney said. "Everyone is in the same boat. It's critical. We've been short drivers for a few years but it's been really critical in the last couple years."

A new law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul earlier this month will now allow 18-20-year-olds to obtain a Class A commercial driver's license, enabling them for the first time to drive large trucks like tractor-trailers.

"Recruiting them to consider a career as a professional driver is almost impossible," Mulvaney said. "They often found different careers and were lost to our industry. This will give the likes of me across New York state the ability to go to community colleges, high schools, BOCES programs as well as tech schools, offering a long-standing rewarding career."

The law, sponsored by state Sen. Tim Kennedy, D-Buffalo, coincides with new federal rules in the infrastructure deal that will allow that same age group to drive trucks across state lines.

"The fact that New York state has already passed this legislation and signed it into law makes us arguably the first and only state in the nation to have done so thus far and we're very proud of that," Kennedy said.

He said the program opens up new good paying jobs for young adults. Mulvaney estimates they'll pay about $60,000 - $70,000 per year.

The law does require an extra 300 hours of behind-the-wheel training to ensure safety.

"We trust them to vote," Kennedy said. "We trust them to serve in our military. We trust them to work in our community. This is a perfect opportunity for individuals to start a new career path and again a very lucrative one at that."

The legislation also potentially could mean lower prices on goods. More products moved means more supply, but Mulvaney said New York probably won't see that benefit this holiday season.

"It probably would take a good two to three months, but again, we want to make sure it's done properly and safely," he said.

Mulvaney said his company can actually train new hires to get their licenses but points out there are also driving schools.