Trucking School Crackdown Aims to Improve Road Safety
The Department of Transportation is taking steps to ensure truck drivers are properly trained and qualified, potentially impacting a large number of truck driving schools.
Nearly half of the nation’s 16,000 truck driving schools could face closure due to failing to meet federal training standards. The Transportation Department plans to revoke certification for nearly 3,000 schools if they don’t comply with requirements within 30 days. An additional 4,500 schools are also at risk of similar action.
This crackdown follows concerns about poorly trained drivers and aims to prevent unqualified individuals from operating large commercial vehicles. Transportation officials have expressed concerns that some schools are not providing adequate training, potentially endangering the public.
Secretary Duffy has emphasized the importance of qualified drivers. He has also voiced concerns regarding the validity of some commercial licenses, specifically those issued to individuals who may not be authorized to work in the United States, or whose immigration status wasn’t properly verified.
In addition to school reviews, the Department of Homeland Security is auditing trucking firms, particularly those owned by immigrants in California, to verify the legal status and qualifications of their drivers.
While some industry groups support stricter licensing standards, others worry that qualified drivers are being unfairly targeted based on their immigration status. Supporters of the crackdown argue that loopholes in the system have allowed unqualified drivers on the road, while critics are concerned about potential discrimination against immigrant drivers. The ultimate goal is to maintain safe roads.
