First published by FMCSA
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With nearly 75% more funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this program will streamline CDL trainings to get more drivers on the road, reducing supply chain pressures and making goods more affordable for American families
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today announced that the Biden Administration is following through on its Trucking Action Plan commitment by awarding more than $44 million in grants that will enhance road safety and make the process to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) more efficient. Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, States and other entities will be able to improve their CDL programs by reducing wait times, ensuring conviction and disqualification data is electronically exchanged, implementing regulatory requirements, and combatting human trafficking. These grants, awarded through the Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation, will help get more qualified drivers on the road who can help meet supply chain demands.
The Department of Transportation made significant progress working with states to reduce CDL backlogs and wait times. Now through this funding, the Administration will create long-term resilience and avoid future delays for those who want to join this workforce.
“The Biden-Harris Administration has made it a priority not only to retain truck drivers in their important careers, but also to get more qualified truck drivers on the road,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Now, using funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are helping States bring safe, well-trained truck drivers into the workforce and ease pandemic-driven supply chain disruptions.”
President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included a 74% increase in CDLPI program funds, which will also help address the rising number of roadway fatalities–a key component in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Roadway Safety Strategy.
“FMCSA’s core mission is safety, and we’re proud to make investments that support the U.S. Department of Transportation’s ambitious goal of zero fatalities on our roadways,” said FMCSA Deputy Administrator Robin Hutcheson. “The grants we are announcing today are an important tool for reducing large truck crashes and supporting critical safety programs in every State.”
In total, nearly 60 percent of FMCSA’s annual budget provides States and local communities with grant funding to enhance commercial vehicle safety.
In addition to improving the process for CDLs, Secretary Buttigieg and President Biden’s Supply Chain Disruption Task Force have also been focused on the issue of truck driver retention as part of the Trucking Action Plan. Due to pay, parking shortages, and other challenges in the profession, retaining truck drivers has been a major challenge. As part of that effort, the Department has announced that it will undertake a driver compensation study and form a truck leasing task force, and also has clarified what programs in President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law can be used to address truck parking.
Read more about FMCSA’s grants and financial assistance.
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