The Arkansas Trucking Association has partnered with the Arkansas State Police to help address a backlog of trained, professional truck drivers that are urgently needed to fill a deficit of truck driving jobs nationwide.

Staffing issues and a limited number of commercial driver’s license test sites have sidelined CDL candidates who have been forced to wait weeks to complete the skills test, the Arkansas Trucking Association officials said in a press release.

Together, the Arkansas State Police and Arkansas Trucking Association came up with a multi-prong approach to streamline the backlog, including:

• Saline County Fairgrounds will provide temporary overflow testing beginning May 31, and running for 45 days.

• CDL examiners have been approved for overtime through the end of June.

• CDL examiners have been directed to remain dedicated to CDL testing candidates.

• ASP is aggressively attempting to fill examiner vacancies with qualified testing personnel.

• Additionally, ASP will consider expanding third-party testing options.

“Our industry desperately needs more safe and qualified drivers to be able to stock grocery shelves and deliver all of life’s essentials,” said Arkansas Trucking Association President Shannon Newton. “With ongoing supply chain and workforce issues, delaying the certification of fully-trained drivers impacts everyone—not just trucking.”