ATA Applauds DOT Crackdown on CDL Mills

Washington - Today, the American Trucking Associations applauded an announcement by the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that aligns with ATA's longstanding priority to keep roads safe by enhancing training, testing, and licensing standards for CDL-holders.

USDOT Secretary Sean Duffy and FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs unveiled new actions to investigate and crack down on fraudulent "CDL mills" and other noncompliant Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) programs across the country. Additionally, the agencies pledged to continue their effort to enforce English language proficiency standards as a baseline requirement for operating on our nation's roadways.

"Proper driver training is the baseline for highway safety, which is why we commend Secretary Duffy and Administrator Barrs for closing dangerous loopholes, enforcing existing regulations, and ensuring that only qualified, well-trained drivers are operating on our nation's roadways," said ATA President & CEO Chris Spear. "Thanks to their leadership, we are making significant strides to root out bad actors and ensure every new commercial driver receives high-quality, consistent training before getting behind the wheel."

"As the largest national association representing the trucking industry, ATA and its members recognize the critical importance of a trained, qualified driver workforce," Spear continued. "By continuing to partner with the Trump Administration, we can ensure that all drivers meet our high standards of safety and professionalism."

Currently, CDL schools are allowed to self-certify that their training programs comply with federal ELDT standards before their students test for a commercial driver's license. These providers are then listed in FMCSA's Training Provider Registry, which is intended to serve as a trusted resource for drivers and motor carriers. However, the integrity of that system has been undermined by insufficient oversight and enforcement to verify that providers are, in fact, meeting required safety and training standards.

ATA has repeatedly called for stronger oversight and accountability to eliminate fraudulent or substandard CDL training providers that undermine roadway safety and public confidence. Earlier this month, ATA sent a letter to Congress urging greater federal action to identify and remove noncompliant training providers from FMCSA's Training Provider Registry as well as strengthen enforcement of ELDT moving forward. In April, ATA also sent a letter to DOT outlining specific enforcement measures needed to strengthen compliance with ELDT requirements and protect the integrity of the training, testing, and licensing processes nationwide.