If you think the FMCSA has done a really great job of regulating trucking then read no further.
You all still reading? Good. Because today only, the FMCSA is holding a free public listening session to solicit ideas, data, information, and issues that you think need to be addressed with regards to entry-level driver training. They’re giving you drivers the opportunity to tell them how the world really works and give suggestions on what you would recommend to help prepare new drivers for the realities of working in the industry.
The webcast program will run from 1pm to 5pm EST on Friday, March 22nd. Here’s a schedule for the webcast:
- 1:00 – 1:10 p.m. — Opening statement by Anne Ferro, FMCSA Administrator. purpose of listening session, introduction of FMCSA representatives.
- 1:10 – 1:15 p.m. — Introduction by Maura Fitzpatrick, Facilitator. Discussion of ground rules and administrative details.
- 1:15 – 3:00 p.m. — Pre-scheduled comments by attendees; comments by registrants (facilitator will seek audience participation); comments from webcast audience presented by facilitator.
- 3:00 – 3:15 p.m. — Break.
- 3:15 – 4:50 p.m. — Continuation of public comments.
- 4:50 – 5:00 p.m. — Closing remarks by Larry Minor, FMCSA Associate Administrator for Policy.
You’ll notice that there is a 1 hour and 45 minute time block for comments starting at 1:15pm that will include “pre-scheduled comments.” These will likely be some soft-ball questions from hand-picked commenters, so there’s only a guaranteed time from 3:15pm-4:50pm where public comments will have to be heard. The FMCSA has stated that if there aren’t enough public comments to share, this section will conclude early. Something tells me that that section will be running a little long.
To be able to make your voice heard, register now.
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Source: fleetowner
Ronald Reed says
Every one on the panel needs to spend 30 days in a truck( don’t have to drive just ride). Maybe then they may have some understanding what a driver goes though?
Taylor Nicholson says
This has all been going on for years, and we get 1.5 hours to be involved? Gee thanks…
Ahmad says
If they make one break from 1:00 am tell 5:00 am I do not mind. If they make 24 hours role for starting the next 70 hours I am for it.
John Mcgehee says
All drivers need the truth on how trucking works there is not enough time spent on training drivers it is not right to put two trainees in a truck The trainners need to have at least 5 years experace theirselves before trying to teach someone a job that they are still learning There are so many issues wrong with the way trucking is its like where does a person start
tgtrotter says
What a waste of TAXPAYER money. What an insult that we are to believe they need to be educated about our livelihood. Our best bet is to educate OURSELVES when it comes to the electing the people who appoint FMCSA employees. Yes people todays government is “the tail wagging the dog”. It can change if you are willing to and exert the effort too. These people are taking your MONEY and using it against you with these sessions.
Entry level driver ? Speak English. Read English. Write English. Learn and demonstrate “common courtesy” skills like drive defensively, move over, slow down, keep right, not command right of way, etc.
dannythetrucker says
less than 2 hours for public input ? that’s kind of a slap in the face, but I guess we can contact or email our rep’s anytime.
Hollywood tom says
These people making these rules are a bunch of bought and paid for bureaucrats that have no clue about what they’re doing. I guess it’s fitting no one in our government cares about the people who elected them. All they care about is their bank account and how they can screw the working man while kissing the a– of their lobbyist. That’s ok they’ll pay in the end. We need a strong protest collectively we could bring this country to its knees in less than a week. Think about it if nothing moved everything would come to a stand still. We need one united voice to stop this insanity