FMCSA Taking Steps to Increase the Number of Truckers with Military Service

This week, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced a three-year pilot program to allow veterans under 21 years of age to operate trucks in interstate commerce. A group of former members of the military who received heavy-vehicle driver training during their time of service and are under 21 years of age will be hired and monitored by carriers. Their safety record will be compared with a control group of drivers, and the outcome of the pilot program may lead to a revision of FMCSA rules for former military service members who wish to become truck drivers. As part of the process, the FMCSA is soliciting comments on the proposed pilot program. Comments will be accepted until Sept. 4, 2018.

CDA supports this proposal, which would be a positive step towards employing veterans while also addressing the ongoing national shortage of truck drivers. CDA also supports H.R. 5358, the DRIVE Safe Act, which currently has 66 cosponsors, which would allow commercial drivers’ licenses to be obtained at 18, provided the individuals obtaining a license complete a rigorous, two-step training program.