Federal regulators are asking for public input on a request that could affect how young truck drivers enter interstate operations after the expiration of a recent pilot program.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has opened a public comment period on a request submitted by the American Trucking Associations that would allow certain motor carriers to continue onboarding under-21 drivers for interstate hauling. The request applies only to carriers that previously participated in the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot program.
Background on the apprenticeship program
The Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot, commonly referred to as SDAP, allowed select motor carriers to train and employ drivers between the ages of 18 and 20 in interstate commerce under specific supervision and safety requirements. The program officially ended on Nov. 7, 2025.
With the pilot now expired, ATA is asking FMCSA to permit participating carriers to continue onboarding and training under-21 drivers for interstate operations rather than reverting immediately to the long-standing age restriction.
ATA cites safety performance data
In its request to FMCSA, ATA pointed to data collected during the pilot program to support its position. According to ATA, quarterly reports from SDAP showed encouraging safety results.
The association said the program’s quarterly reports “demonstrate positive safety outcomes, including millions of miles driven by program participants without reportable crashes.”
ATA also argued that allowing participating carriers to continue the practice would not create significant new challenges for regulators or the industry.
The group said it believes that continuing to allow carriers to onboard under-21 drivers for interstate operations would create minimal administrative burdens for FMCSA or participating motor carriers.
What the request would allow
If approved, the request would apply only to motor carriers that previously took part in the SDAP program. Those carriers would be able to continue onboarding and training drivers ages 18 to 20 for interstate trucking, even though the formal pilot program has ended.
The request does not propose opening interstate operations to all under-21 drivers or carriers that did not participate in the pilot.
Public comment period now open
FMCSA is now seeking public feedback on ATA’s request. Drivers, carriers, safety advocates, and other stakeholders can submit comments as part of the agency’s review process.
The comment period is open here through Feb. 27.
FMCSA will review submitted comments before determining whether to grant, deny, or modify the request. The decision could influence how the industry addresses driver pipeline challenges while balancing safety considerations for interstate trucking operations.
Source: Commercial Carrier Journal
