JUNE 11, 2019 – The FMCSA has announced that they’re ready to begin accepting applications from both motor carriers and drivers for its under-21 military veteran pilot program. Under this program, veterans between the ages of 18 and 21 years old will be allowed to drive a CMV in interstate commerce. The goal, will be to see how their safety records compare to drivers between the ages of 21 to 24 with CDLs.
Over the next three years, the FMCSA expects that they’ll need approximately 70 motor carriers, as well as 200 military veteran drivers between the ages of 18 and 20, to participate. So, if you’re a motor carrier that has been struggling to keep your cabs full, this might be an opportunity for you to get access to an entirely new population of talent – and help them build upon their military experience as they train for a new career. If you’re interested in participating, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Complete and submit an application
- Have a control group of drivers (equal to the group size of your under 21 drivers) who are between the ages of 21 and 24
- Agree to train the under 21 drivers in all applicable FMCSRs
- Install and operate electronic logging devices on all vehicles operated by both the under 21 drivers and the control group
- Agree to comply with all pilot program procedures
If selected, motor carriers must also agree to submit data reports monthly, as well as to monitor and report on the safety records of all program participants. You can learn more about the program and download an application form here: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/Attachment%20A_Motor%20Carrier%20Application_0.pdf
.png)