This article has been reprinted from USDA's Sept. 24 Grain Transportation Report.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requests public comments, by November 9, on a proposed pilot program that would allow drivers ages 18-20 to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce.
The pilot program proposes to allow drivers to participate if they fit at least one of two categories.
First, a participant could be an 18 to 20-year-old commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder who operates CMVs in interstate commerce while taking part in a 120-hour probationary period and a subsequent 280-hour probationary period under an apprenticeship program established by an employer.
Alternatively, a participant could be a 19- or 20-year-old commercial driver who has operated CMVs in intrastate commerce for at least 1 year and at least 25,000 miles.
The pilot’s drivers would not be permitted to operate special configuration vehicles or vehicles hauling passengers or hazardous materials.