Exciting news for the trucking industry! The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is set to inject $48 million into driver training opportunities for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders. The goal is to enhance the resilience of our national supply chain and fortify America’s trucking workforce.
With the aim of improving the CDL acquisition process and expanding training programs, this funding is a clear signal of the government’s commitment to supporting the trucking industry and ensuring skilled drivers are ready to hit the road.
“Every day, we all count on food, clothing, medicine and other goods that reach us thanks to America’s truck drivers,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. “With these grants, we are helping states bring more well-trained drivers into this essential field, strengthening our supply chains for years to come.”
FMCSA is awarding over $44 million to states and other entities for the operation of national CDL programs. This funding will support the expedited issuance and renewal of CDLs, as well as the exchange of conviction and disqualification data between states.
In addition, these funds will be used to implement safety regulations in line with the National Roadway Safety Strategy. The grant will also contribute to the development of outreach materials to combat human trafficking and educate CDL drivers.
Some of the projects funded include hiring state personnel to reduce delays in CDL skills testing, improving CDL reporting, ensuring accurate driver records, and providing training for CDL skills test examiners.
Thanks to an investment of over $3 million from President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, recipients of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training grant will be able to increase their training capacity. This will benefit veterans, their family members, underserved communities, refugees, and other Americans who want to safely operate CMVs, obtain CDLs, and pursue careers in truck and bus driving.
“This essential funding provided through the (Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training) grant program will help expand and diversify the pool of trained drivers, with an important focus on attracting veterans and individuals from underserved and refugee communities,” FMCSA Administrator Robin Hutcheson said in statement. “We’re proud that these grants are giving priority to current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including National Guard, Reservists and their family members, to pursue a commercial driver’s license.”
Source: Land Line
