IFDA Praises FMCSA’s Announcement of Pilot Program to Attract the Next Generation of Truck Drivers

Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced that it is proposing and seeking public comments on a new pilot program to allow drivers aged 18, 19, and 20 to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. As aging drivers retire and growing online purchasing increases long-term freight demand, this program provides a path to bring needed younger drivers safely into the industry. Specifically, it addresses a critical obstacle to attracting new drivers - while virtually all states allow individuals to obtain a commercial driver’s license at age 18, they are prohibited from operating in interstate commerce until they are 21. That means an 18-year old cannot drive a truck from Arlington, Virginia into Washington D.C., yet could drive that same truck across Virginia, from Arlington to Virginia Beach to Bristol. The 82-year old restriction is keeping qualified candidates from kick-starting their careers in the trucking industry.
 
The trucking industry is a good paying career choice for America’s emerging workforce. Training programs like this are critical game changers for not only developing a highly skilled workforce but also creating pathways to financial stability— without the need to incur college debt. IFDA thanks FMCSA for their leadership on this critical initiative.
 
About the International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA)
The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) is the premier trade organization representing the foodservice distribution industry. With a combined annual sales volume of almost $300 billion, foodservice distributors play a crucial role in our nation’s infrastructure. This industry ensures a safe and efficient supply chain of food and products for more than one million restaurants and foodservice outlets in the U.S. every day. IFDA member companies operate more than 800 facilities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and around the world.  For more information visit: http://www.ifdaonline.org/