Robert Hirsch, president of the Truckload Carriers Assn. (TCA) said Tuesday he is disappointed with a decision made by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
(FMCSA) to reject a pilot program aimed at the trucking industry's critical and growing driver shortage.
FMCSA's action was in response to TCA's petition requesting the authority to conduct a pilot program that would permit drivers between the ages of 18 and 21 to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. Current federal regulations prescribe a minimum age of 21 for interstate truck drivers, even though drivers below the age of 21 in every state except two can legally operate the same commercial vehicles in intrastate commerce.
While expressing disappointment over FMCSA's denial of the petition, Hirsch said, "I am nonetheless pleased by the fact that FMCSA did not rule out entirely considering a similar pilot in the future. As stated by FMCSA in the June 9 Federal Register, 'The Agency does not believe that all drivers between the ages of 18 and 21 should be viewed as a safety risk while at the controls of a CMV, regardless of the requirements that would be imposed upon them... Denial of the TCA petition should not be construed as a rejection of the argument that screening, training, and mentoring could improve the safety performance of younger CMV drivers.' "
Under TCA's proposed pilot, a select number of individuals between the ages of 18 and 21 years old with spotless driving records would be carefully screened and recruited, and then be required to undergo intensive and carefully monitored training.
To be allowed to drive solo, a successful student would have completed one year of training and be at least 19 years of age. The training would strictly follow specially designed training standards developed by the Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI).
The three-year pilot was designed to demonstrate that a comprehensive regime of selection criteria and ongoing screening in conjunction with effective training could produce a safe driver -- regardless of age. Following selection into the pilot program, qualified participants would receive extensive and rigorous training in truck driving and highway safety as well as in relevant life management skills, including driver professionalism and responsibility. The training would last 48 weeks and be provided in a structured learning environment. Participants would also be subject to continuous supervision and monitoring throughout their participation in the program.
Among the benefits the pilot program was intended to provide was high paying entry-level job opportunities to qualified youths, particularly in disadvantaged areas of the country.