FMCSA Updates Funding Program for CDL Training
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced the availability of nearly $90 million in grants for states and organizations running commercial driver’s license (CDL) programs. These grants aim to enhance compliance with federal safety regulations and ensure the integrity of the National CDL Program, which works to maintain a safe and qualified driver workforce on the road.
This program, which awarded $55.1 million in CDL Program Implementation (CDLPI) grants last year despite $84 million being available, has seen an increase in funding to $89.4 million for 2025. Eligible applicants include state, county, and city governments; public and private educational institutions; non-profits; small businesses; and other entities. Historically, the majority of these funds have gone to state Departments of Transportation and motor vehicle departments.
Safeguarding the Roads with the National CDL Program
FMCSA’s National CDL Program is built on the principle of “One Driver. One License. One Record.” This approach is crucial for maintaining accurate driver histories and preventing unsafe drivers from exploiting system loopholes. The program’s focus aligns with FMCSA’s overarching goal of improving highway safety across all states by ensuring only skilled and qualified individuals hold CDLs.
Key Program Changes for 2025
Significant changes have been made to the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for 2025 grants. The FMCSA has removed provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and climate change considerations that were part of the evaluation criteria during the previous administration.
Under the prior guidelines, applicants were encouraged to integrate considerations like energy efficiency, environmental impact, and opportunities for underserved communities into their proposals. These criteria included evaluations of projects promoting energy efficiency, environmental protections, and equity-focused hiring or outreach plans. For example, projects that included electric vehicle purchases or strategies targeting underserved communities would receive added attention.
Moving forward, FMCSA will base funding decisions on merit, using criteria such as technical merit, budget cost analysis, program-specific metrics, past performance, and other review-based criteria. The DEI and climate change provisions, previously grouped under “Other Review Information,” will no longer be part of funding evaluations.
Applying for 2025 Grants
Organizations aiming to access these funds must demonstrate the merit of their projects in alignment with FMCSA’s updated evaluation categories. By reinforcing technical and program-specific excellence, the FMCSA is focusing exclusively on operational improvements and measurable outcomes.
This adjustment reflects the evolving priorities of the FMCSA as it works to streamline the grant application process and ensure that funding directly addresses safety and operational integrity within the trucking industry.
For more information and detailed guidelines, organizations are encouraged to review FMCSA’s full list of Merit Evaluation Criteria and NOFO updates for 2025.
These grants offer a vital opportunity for states and organizations to strengthen their CDL programs while contributing to the safety and efficiency of the nation’s roadways.
Source: Commercial Carrier Journal
