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As the coronavirus gripped the nation, companies across the trucking industry were forced to alter their operations while confronting the pandemic. For some, that included driver training and orientation.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced Feb. 24 that it is seeking comment on a 2019 request from United Parcel Service Inc. in which the carrier seeks a five-year renewable exemption from federal regulations in order to allow its driver-trainees with commercial learner permits to operate twin 28-foot trailers on public roads.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Truck driving students and military veterans are two key pipelines for bolstering the industry’s driver workforce, but fleets must take proper steps to effectively attract and support them, experts said.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced more than $77 million in grants to states and training institutions to improve commercial motor vehicle safety.

Despite proposed delays regarding certain parts of the federal Entry Level Driver Training rule, commercial driver license training schools shouldn’t dawdle as the rule’s upcoming effective date nears, according to training expert Jim Butler.

A Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration electronic information system glitch is delaying full implementation of the Entry Level Driver Training rule, an agency spokesman confirmed.

A recent study found that driving simulators can be as effective in training truck drivers as a live teacher for tasks such as braking and shifting gears.

The Department of Labor is taking steps that would meet the objectives of a presidential executive order and encourage motor carriers and other trucking organizations to create apprenticeships for new employees to receive federal funding while they train to become drivers or maintenance technicians.

Delaying the publication of an entry-level driver training rule again would take time away from states needing to comply with the rule, the head of a group representing truck driving schools said April 11. Watch video with Commercial Vehicle Training Association President and CEO Don Lefeve.