The White House unveiled on Thursday a sweeping initiative aimed at shoring up the ranks of the nation’s truck drivers that could potentially lead to boosting driver pay.
The Biden-Harris Administration Trucking Action Plan, to be led by the U.S. Departments of Transportation and Labor, is being launched in the wake of trucking industry challenges exacerbated by the pandemic that include high driver turnover rates, an aging workforce, long hours away from home, and time spent waiting to load and unload — often unpaid — at congested ports, warehouses and distribution centers, according to the White House.
“These actions will support the ongoing economic recovery and lay the foundation for a next-generation trucking workforce that will strengthen U.S. competitiveness and support millions of good driving jobs for years to come,” the White House noted.
At the top of the list of initiatives is a plan by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to provide over $30 million to help states speed the issuance of CDLs.
“Today, FMCSA is sending all 50 states a toolkit detailing specific actions they can take to expedite licensing and will work hand in hand with states to address challenges they are facing,” the White House stated. “FMCSA will also begin closely tracking delays, identifying states that have challenges with issuing CDLs and communicating with all 50 governors about ways they can reduce delays in issuing CDLs.”
Within the next 30 days, FMCSA and DOL will begin an in-depth study of driver compensation to examine truck driver pay, including the time drivers spend waiting to pick up or drop off freight without getting paid, a study that was included as part of the bipartisan infrastructure package that Biden signed into law in November.
The Biden-Harris initiative also includes a major driver recruitment effort, launching a 90-day Apprenticeship Trucking Challenge to be overseen by DOT and DOL and supported by $8 million in funding from DOL. The two departments will be hosting a series of national “Apprenticeship Accelerator” meetings to help carriers develop programs and release a quick-start toolkit for apprenticeships in the trucking sector.
The White House announced that so far EVO Trucking, D.M. Bowman, Yellow Corp., Florida Rock and Tank, Total Transportation, CRST and Albertsons have committed to work with the administration to launch and expand the program. “We are going to work with the Trucking Alliance and the American Trucking Associations, who will help engage their members on the value of a registered apprenticeship to support quality, safety and retention,” the White House stated.
Watch: Driver training during driver shortage (11/2/21)
In addition, a DOL-funded national apprenticeship called FASTPORT focusing on the transportation sector will work with trucking companies, unions and industry associations to establish “registered apprenticeship” programs in as little as 48 hours.
Within the next 60 to 90 days, the action plan also includes:
- An FMCSA pilot program for drivers ages 18-21 as mandated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, incorporating registered apprenticeships to ensure rigorous training standards and pairing each young driver with an experienced mentor.
- Roundtable discussions hosted by DOT and DOL to discuss efforts to help transitioning service members and veterans obtain CDLs.
- A task force launched by DOT and DOL aimed at promoting, recruiting and advancing women in trucking, as established in the infrastructure law. “This task force will be the first of many strategies to help build the pipeline and diversify the trucking workforce,” the White House stated.
- A task force to investigate predatory truck leasing arrangements that dissuade drivers from entering or staying in the industry.
Scott owen jones
The dot and homeland security need to do away with proof of residency in order to renew cdl most drivers are only home less then 60 days per year while over the road many drivers live in there trucks and cannot afford housing nor is it practical we cannot renew
Sulema Aparicio
They need to work on those high insurance rates they have and the high cost of fuel. There are drivers that were not driving during the pandemic because unemployment was so good. And the few of us that continue are struggling. This is ridiculous fix that first.
Billy Phipps
Predatory lease finance companies lol? Yeah there are a bunch of pump and dump companies for sure. I spend roughly 24 hrs a week on a dedicated run waiting for loads. I’d like to see the ones who dont care about it work 24 to 30 hours a week for free. FMCSA needs to be defunded and eradicated. Swift needs to be deemed a dangerous trucking entity like the tyrannical FMCSA deems O/O’s for minor infractions. DOT all across the country try needs to be investigated and charged criminally and civilly for targeting truckers and turning cheeks to all the lunacy of drivers in foir-wheelers. Accident lawyers need to be held civilly liable for enticing wrecks with big-trucks to sue for millions of dollars! FMCSA needs to be accountable for pushing their log issue and not providing adequate secure parking areas atleast every 200 miles or so. Truck stops are private entities, not FMCSA escape goats for tyranny. The “GOOD FOR THEE BIT NOT FOR ME” rhetoric in our government shall be stopped somehow or way!
David
Saw a new driver pull into a Wal-Mart distribution center and TOTAL A WALMART TRAILER and damaged there’s. Driver had little to no training and given a CDL. The driver said it was his first trip. The company was out of Houston Texas wonder what else he had hit or ran over.
Joe
Once again putting a bandaid on a heart stroke victim. No one wants big government in any industry. Please go back to playing with your crayons and leave free America alone.
David Wages
Well lets see how much more they can screw up this industry. 48 hr fast track 18 year old drivers. Christ on a Cracker how stupid are these people!
Jack D Geiser
We’ve been trying to tell you dummies for years what needs to be done!! Talk to Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association!! THEY ARE THE ONES!, that have their finger of the pulse on the trucking industry!! not the corporate assholes that are trying to keep this a damn slave driven industry!! the American Trucking Association, and their leaders have NO INTEREST in getting driver pay up where a person can afford to have a life, and make a living!! I’m a leased owner operatorthat got put through a very bad deal with a trucking company in Pennsylvania that I would like to have investigated!! you want to know what’s going on?? you come talk to me!! I’ll help lay it out for you!!
Tell the truth
If the government is involved, mark it down, things will only get much worse.
David Wages
Amen Brother!
JOHN WILSON
We already have enough assholes on the road that should not drive a pedal bike