Senator Tom Cotton (R-AK) and Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) have sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, calling for an urgent investigation into the proliferation of what they term “Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) mills.”
The lawmakers assert that these substandard training programs exploit regulatory loopholes, producing minimally trained drivers who pose a significant risk on the nation’s roads.
In their letter Tuesday, Cotton and Barr expressed concern that these CDL mills are “prioritizing volume over proper safety and training requirements.”
They specifically pointed out that these operations exploit loopholes in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations. This results in “rushed, test-focused courses with little to no hands-on experience,” leaving new commercial drivers “ill-equipped to handle the real world demands of interstate trucking.”
The lawmakers are urging the Department of Transportation (DOT) to rigorously assess whether training programs are upholding ELDT standards, paying particular attention to crucial elements like:
- Behind-the-wheel training
- Pre-trip inspections
- On-road proficiency
Beyond the immediate investigation, Senator Cotton and Congressman Barr—who are the sponsors of the Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act—are encouraging Secretary Duffy to utilize the DOT’s rulemaking authority to strengthen the commercial licensing system.
“While Congress works to pass the legislation, we strongly encourage DOT to use its rulemaking authority to make further changes like mandatory training hours behind the wheel for CDLs,” they wrote.
They concluded their letter by emphasizing the importance of safe roads for American families. They expressed their belief that the DOT can take additional steps to “restore trust in our credentialing process.”
The lawmakers look forward to collaborating with the Secretary on the matter.
READ: Florida Sues California, Washington In Supreme Court Over CDLs For Illegal Immigrants
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
