FMCSA seeks to craft entry-level driver training committee

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is seeking recommendations for what the agency calls a “negotiated rulemaking committee” to help craft minimum training requirement standards for entry-level commercial drivers, adding that public recommendations will be accepted until Jan. 9 next year.

The agency has canvassed the trucking industry extensively in the run-up to this rulemaking effort, polling active holders of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) back in November, though many industry groups are skeptical of some of the suggested training markers.

FMCSA added that it is convening a committee to explore the entry-level standards issue as the agency established itself as a “neutral convener” in this process back in August.

FMCSA also pointed out that the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21^st Century Act or “MAP-21” surface transportation bill signed two years ago directed the agency to establish such minimum CDL training requirements.