Posted On:
March 8, 2008
New Training Requirements Proposed for Truck Drivers
When a trucking company considers hiring someone to drive a tractor trailer, semi or 18 wheeler, as they are often called, between states, there are several qualification checks that need to be undertaken before that driver hits the road. Among other things, the trucking company is supposed to: make sure the driver has a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) for the truck to be driven, check the driver's driving and employment histories, verify that the driver is physically fit to drive and have the driver submit to a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.
However, despite the potential for serious injuries and damage resulting from tractor trailer accidents, there is no mandatory training requirements for new tractor trailer drivers. In fact, some trucking companies do not conduct any training or education at all and just rely on the fact that a driver has a CDL, which may have been obtained years before.
In the 1980's, there were very few organizations that offered effective, standardized training for drivers of big trucks and tractor trailers. In the mid 1990's, the US government conducted a study that concluded that truck driver training was inadequate in that it often did not include hands-on, behind the wheel instruction on how to operate these big trucks. Since then, there have not not been any effective rules or laws setting a standard for driver training for new truck drivers.
In December of 2007, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) proposed a rule that would require new tractor trailer and other commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers to complete certain minimum classroom and behind the wheel training requirements from an accredited organization or program. A new driver would not be able to obtain a CDL without a certificate proving that these mandatory driver training requirements have been met. The purpose of the rule is to set a standard for effective truck driver training for new truck drivers to make the roads safer for everyone. Note that the rule would only apply to truck drivers applying for a new or upgraded commercial driver's license starting three years after the rule is passed; it would not apply to those truck drivers with an existing, valid CDL.
The effect of the rule would increase the cost and effort required to obtain a CDL which would be paid by the truck driver or his or her trucking company. However, considering the number and severity of injury accidents on the road involving tractor trailers, it seems clear that any reasonable regulation designed to provide safety training to new tractor trailer drivers is a good idea.
