Comments due by November 2nd
The Bi-State strongly supports this pilot program
The Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) is seeking comments on a proposed pilot program that would allow CDL drivers ages 18-20 to do interstate work, which includes drayage. This program would be a great asset for the Port of NY & NJ, and allow us to start recruiting graduating high school seniors to help mitigate the driver shortages we’re experiencing.
The FMCSA proposes a pilot program to allow drivers to participate if they fall within two categories: 1) 18 to 20-year-old commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders who operate 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, or 2) 19 and 20-year-old commercial drivers who have operated CMVs in intrastate commerce for a minimum of one year and 25,000 miles. The study group drivers would not be allowed to operate vehicles hauling passengers or hazardous materials or special configuration vehicles.
Currently, 49 states and the District of Columbia already allow 18 to 20-year-old CDL holders to operate CMVs in intrastate commerce—meaning under-21 drivers may currently drive within state borders, such as from Houston to El Paso or from Miami to Tallahassee.
To view this Federal Register Notice and learn more about the proposed pilot program, visit: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/proposed-pilot-program-allow-persons-ages-18-19-and-20. Deadline to submit comments is November 2, 2020
HOW TO SUBMIT COMMENTS
You may submit comments on this notice identified by docket number FMCSA-2018-0346 using any one of the following methods:
- Federal eRulemaking Portal: regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Click here for Direct Link to Comment Page
- Mail: Docket Operations, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
- Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
- Fax: 1-202-493-2251
Each submission must include the Agency name and the docket number for this notice. Note that DOT posts all comments received without change to www.regulations.gov, including any personal information included in a comment.