Why isn't there a Federal CDL?

It's just about like this with every thing.
The feds make the laws, but they make the states enforce the laws, and they can do it because the states are so dependent on federal money being distributed to them. Legally, it's probably more to do with the way that the Constitution is written.
In our world of trucking, the Interstate Commerce Clause, is what has cursed us even unto this day.

 

the HME is 5 years, yes. and expires on license expiration date. OR, if your fingerprints expire in the middle of the license. like mine does.

here's my license.
every 2 years i visit the dmv to turn in my med card.
every 2 1/2 years i'm either renewing my license or renewing my fingerprints. BOTH instances require a visit to the dmv.

company would like me to get a twic card. I DON'T THINK SO. i have no desire to go to the ports anyways.

 

As a driver I vote for less federal oversight. But that's me.

unloader

 

There is, you just have to enlist in the military for one, then get a state one when you get out, because they don't trust the federal one. Or that's the impression I get. Kind of ironic, the military and its high standards for conduct, having lower standards for training.

 

The pilots license is a federal license issued by the FAA. They aren't issued by the states. Testing and issuance is done by FAA examiners. It's a real pita not just for initial issue but currency requirements that go along with each rating.

If fmcsa/dot started handling our licenses the same way faa handles my pilots license there would be far fewer of us on the road and the driver shortage might just be real then lol

The OP knows not what he asks lol the process would become so complicated and expensive and time consuming it might not be worth it then.

 

You don't need the Federal Government to actually take over the testing and issuance of CDL, they just need to mandate that a CDL acquired in one state is fully recognized (endorsements and all) in every other state the holder may move to.

The state DMV can of course still charge for the processing and material cost of producing an actual card, but they won't be able to decide whether another state's CDL/endorsements are valid or not.

 

They already tell each state how to run the CDL system. What I believe is really needed is another endorsement for Driver Trainer. I know most will say oh no more regulations, it's wrong. I believe the drivers today are losing experience because the old timers are bailing out and won't be bothered. The companies are using drivers for training with little experience so the new driver is not taught as much as he or she should be. Have it where the driver trainer has to have so many years driving and the company will have to pay them for their extra work. Put some incentives for the company so they will pay for the training. Include the companies on inspections held by the FMCSA to check for compliance. Make it worthwhile for driver trainers and the new drivers will save everyone money and be more skilled.

 

Just go explore healthcare.gov and you'll change your mind about fed license.

Imagine cdl.gov website!

 

If you had to wait for the federal government to issue you a hunting and fishing license, the season would be over before y got the license.

Opie, get it through your head...you do not want the federal government to do anything for you. They would creat committees, lobbyist, special interest groups for CDLs...etc. you would spend more time honking bobos than you would learning anything truck related.

 

But some of the rules for pilots are better. If your medical expires you don't end up losing you license and having to start from the beginning. I am a pilot also, and many of my friends fly for airlines. They have guys out on medicals for up to 9 years on disability and coming back to their company for training and flying again. Know of any trucking company that would hold your position for you and get you back to speed after even a couple months? Most cut the cord as soon as you are on long term disability, not all of them, but most.