Entry-level Driver Training
You have 'til Oct. 18 to comply. Here's a way to do that, quick and easy.
Deborah Whistler
Editor
The following question was sent to me recently by Joyce Tieszen, a truck driver out of Estherville, Iowa: "I've had my CDL for less than one year. Didn't I read something about needing extra training for CDL holders with less than one year? If so, should the company I'm leased to or myself be informed of this? I think the training is to be completed before Oct. 31st. So far I've received no notice. Can you please shed some light on this subject for me?"
Apparently, many drivers and trucking companies need a little light. And they need it quickly. According to new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules, all "Entry Level Drivers" must have additional training. And that training must be completed by Oct. 18, 2004.
The new rule (which became effective July 20) requires that all CDL drivers in interstate commerce with less than one year of experience must have training covering the following four areas:
• Driver qualification, such as medical requirements and the penalties for violating the rules.
• Hours of service, including how the rules work and how to manage fatigue.
• Health maintenance, including diet, exercise and the dangers of drinking too much alcohol.
• Whistleblower protections, i.e. the right of an employee to question an employer's safety practices without being fired.
Drivers who began work after July 20, 2003, have until Oct. 18, 2004 to get certified. The training should be approximately 10.5 hours. Responsibility for the training lies with drivers and their employer. The rule doesn't specify who must do the training - or who must pay for it. But obviously, it will be the carriers who will be brought to task if they don't have documentation proving adequate training.
Employers must ensure that all drivers be trained and that employers must have, on file, a diploma or certificate of training.
E. Bruce Weiss is senior vice president of business development for Instructional Technologies Inc., Vancouver, Wash., developers of TREAD-1 driver training programs. He says very few trucking companies have the wherewithal to provide training to the level required by the feds. One area that will be critical is hours of service. Getting everyone in the company up to speed on the new rules is a monumental task. Especially considering the fact the rules will undoubtedly be changing again.
Another area where truck fleets will likely fall short is providing adequate training on whistleblower protection. It's a complicated issue that most don't have the background to address. The ability to train in the areas of health, fitness, fatigue and alcohol abuse isn't regular fare of most driver trainers, either.
To help, TREAD-1 has created a full range of courses. They are available to customers on the TREAD-1 computer system. And even if you're not a TREAD-1 customer, the lessons are available to drivers via the Internet, and on the road through IdleAire hookups at truckstops.
Drivers can just plug into IdleAire and take the courses in their off time. Or you can provide computer access at your terminals and drivers can take the courses there via the Internet.
TREAD-1 tests and monitors drivers on the material and provides verification that training has been completed. It's an easy and quick solution and a lot less involved that setting up your own internal training programs.
As for hours of service changes, TREAD-1 is in constant communication with FMCSA to make sure their materials are up-to-date. "If the rules change again, then we'll immediately revise the lessons as necessary," says Weiss. It might be wise to keep your driver managers up to speed, too, through the TREAD-1 programs.
First things first: If you're not in compliance with entry-level driver training, you should give TREAD-1 a look-see. It could save you a lot of time, headaches and potential FMCSA fines. Go to www.instructiontech.net.
E-mail Deb at dwhistler@truckinginfo.com
