MINNESOTA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION
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FMCSA Extends Comment Period on Proposed Rule on Entry-Level Driver Training
In response to a request, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) extended until May 23, 2008, the comment period for its notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) published on December 26, 2007. FMCSA also updated information in the Paperwork Reduction Act section in the preamble to the NPRM.
Comments must be submitted regarding the NPRM to the docket by May 23, 2008. Please submit comments regarding updated information under the Paperwork Reduction Act by May 23, 2008.
Updated March 24, 2008
On December 26, 2007 the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) released in the Federal Register a proposed rule that would establish more stringent requirements in regards to entry-level driver training (ELDT). See below for a summary of the proposal and the Federal Register notice.
The proposed requirements would become effective three years after a final rule, and would not apply to drivers that currently possess or obtain a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) prior to this date. After this time, the rule would apply to all CDL drivers that will operate in interstate commerce and to persons upgrading from one class of CDL to another.
Generally, the proposed rule would require that institutional and motor carrier training programs for entry-level driver trainees be accredited; establish qualifications for classroom and skills instructors; mandate specified training content for classroom and behind-the-wheel training on a hours rather than performance-oriented basis; obligate entry-level driver trainees to pass knowledge and skills tests; require training institutions issue a certificate of completion and proficiency; and compel states to check drivers’ CDL status and driver training certificates prior to CDL issuance.
The MTA Regulatory Response Committee will be preparing a response to the proposal. We would appreciate any insights and input you have regarding FMCSA’s approach and on the specifics of the rulemaking. If you can, please provide MTA with your recommendations as soon as possible and no later than February 22, 2008 (please forward to karen@mntruck.org). Public comments on the proposal are to be submitted to FMCSA by March 25, 2008.
Click below for the following:
ATA Model Letter & Documents for Submitting Comments on ELDT
Below are links to a model letter for motor carriers’ use in submitting comments to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rulemaking docket on the proposed entry-level driver training rule. The model letter clearly articulates concerns with the proposed rule and includes recommendations for improving it. It also provides the opportunity for carriers to express how the proposed rule would impact their operations and their ability to recruit/train truck drivers. Two other documents are attached to provide further guidance. The American Trucking Associations has filed for an extension of the comment deadline and for a public hearing; they have not yet received a response from FMCSA. Until otherwise notified, the deadline for submitting comments on the entry-level driver proposed rule remains as March 25, 2008.
Updated March 4, 2008.