NACD expresses concern about driver training requirements.
May 28, 2008 -
In comments filed with FMCSA, NACD expressed concerns about proposed rulemaking to establish minimum training requirements for entry-level commercial drivers. NACD's most grave concern is requirement that all entry-level drivers receive training through provider or program accredited by agency recognized by U.S. Department of Education or by Council of Higher Education Accreditation. Only very large companies would be able to establish their own driver training programs to meet requirements.
NACD Expresses Concerns About Proposed New Driver Training Requirements
The National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) today filed comments with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) on a December 26, 2007, notice of proposed rulemaking to establish minimum training requirements for entry-level commercial drivers.
In the comments, NACD expresses concerns about the prescriptive nature of the proposed new requirements. "NACD's most grave concern about the proposal is the requirement that all entry-level drivers receive their training through a provider or program accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation. While this leaves the option open for those companies with their own commercial motor vehicles to develop their own training programs and seek their own accreditation, this is not a feasible option for the vast majority of businesses, including chemical distributors. Most of these companies' drivers already have their commercial driver's licenses (CDLs), and it would not be worth the time and effort to establish such a program and seek accreditation for periodic new hires only. The reality is that only very large companies with substantial resources would be able to establish their own driver training programs to meet the requirements outlined in the FMCSA NPRM," the comments state.
The lack of capacity in existing institutions for training drivers of companies who cannot establish their own accredited programs is another concern raised in the comments. "With an average of over 50,000 new drivers expected to be needed for each of the next 10 years, there would be tremendous demand for the accredited training program, and there is no guarantee that capacity could be increased enough to satisfy the demand. The result of this would be high prices, which could prevent drivers from seeking CDLs as well as delays for drivers even being able to enter their training programs. Both the high costs and the delays would contribute to the worsening driver shortage in the U.S." states NACD.
The comments also point out that the current system under which companies are able to train their own drivers has worked well, that large truck statistics have demonstrated a downward trend in crashes, and that data does not exist to make the case for prescriptive new standards. NACD concludes the comments by recommending the adoption of safety-based performance-based training standards that would allow for flexibility.
NACD and its more than 250 members have established themselves as leaders in health, safety, security, and environmental performance through implementation of the Responsible Distribution Process (RDP), established in 1991 as a condition of membership in NACD. Incorporated as a condition of membership in January 1999, NACD members undergo third-party on-site RDPV - RDP Verification. For additional information, visit NACD's Web site - http://www.nacd.com. Contact: Kathee E. Baker 703/527-6223, ext. 104 kbaker@nacd.com
Contacts:
General Information:
Kathee E. Baker
USA
Phone: 703-527-6223 ext 104 E-mail this person
Company Information: Name: The National Association of Chemical Distributors Address: 1560 Wilson Boulevard City: Arlington State: VA ZIP: 22209 Country: USA Phone: 703-527-6223 http://www.nacd.com
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