The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is considering a pilot program that would allow 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds to drive heavy trucks in interstate commerce. Now they’re seeking comments from the public on whether or not that’s a good idea.
Last year the FMCSA announced a pilot program that would allow military veterans under the age of 21 to drive trucks interstate. When it was proposed, critics predicted that large carrier groups would use the data to push for non-military drivers to be added as well. Then, last week, FMCSA Administrator Ray Martinez announced that the administration wants input from the public on a pilot program that would allow any CDL holder under 21 to drive interstate.
“We want input from the public on efforts that offer the potential to create more jobs in the commercial motor vehicle industry, while maintaining the highest level of safety,” said Martinez. “We encourage all CMV stakeholders to submit comments on a potential interstate pilot program for younger drivers.”
Not only is the FMCSA looking for comments on whether or not a pilot for under-21 truckers is a good idea, they also want to the public to weigh in on what the program should be and how it should work.
According to the comment request, the FMCSA is looking for suggestions about requirements for training, experience with non-commercial vehicles, supervision, drive time/distance, vehicle safety systems, and more. All told, the FMCSA is looking for feedback on over two dozen questions.
In a statement put out on May 14th, OOIDA came out in opposition to the pilot program. They raised concerns over safety and seemed to imply that mega-carriers want younger drivers in order to keep driver turnover high.
“Launching this pilot program would go against FMCSA’s goal of improving highway safety,” said OOIDA president Todd Spencer. “The agency should not be used as a tool for large motor carriers to expand their driver pool instead of fixing the problems that have led to their extremely high turnover rates.”
Those large carriers do seem to be in favor of the pilot program. The American Trucking Association, a trade group which represents large carriers, issued a statement in support of the pilot program. In it, they call allowing younger drivers to drive interstate “a common-sense step.” The ATA has called for reducing the interstate driving age to 18 in the past, saying that it would help to solve the driver shortage.
That theory was recently contradicted by a Department of Labor report which “did not find evidence” that a driver shortage exists. The report even found that if it did, ATA members could quickly solve it by paying drivers more. Instead some large carriers may be deliberately keeping driver pay low in order to keep turnover high.
It’s a sentiment that is echoed in OOIDA’s statement when they make a pointed recommendation to large carriers: “Instead of efforts to entice the least experienced, the focus should be hiring and retaining the most experienced drivers, not expanding the funnel of driver churn.”
If you’d like to submit a comment, you can do so online here.
Source: FMCSA, FMCSA, gobytrucknews, truckinginfo, fleetowner, overdrive, ttnews, ooida, truckersreport, truckersreport
jakes cab solutions says
Hey if they are well trained, they can do this. heck if they can do the military and protect our country they can drive a truck.
Connie Ann Bailey says
Driving an 18-wheeler is not the same as serving in the Military.
Tommy Molnar says
I think the military trains these young men and women much better than any trucking company. 18 year olds can barely concentrate enough to drive a Smart Car, let alone 80,000 pounds of Prius crushing trucks. Just sayin’.
R.J. says
The military doesnt TRAIN them better, they SUPERVISE them better.
Convoys where all they have to do is follow the vehicle in front of them.
An officer and many NCO’s to do the thinking, so stuff runs smoothly,
and efficiently.
Sara says
I know your right R J just because they drove a truck of a different kind in the military doesn’t train them for our line of truck driving. Some people are natural born truck drivers. Others well perhaps better off finding a different line of work.
Daniel Henry says
Umm I drove a truck of a different type in the Marines. The occupation was 3531 dude. My training education was hell of a lot more insightful than CDL school. And I’m pretty sure the stamina/endurance I had to build up while in military ( long hours driving no lol 30 min break) transfered over to civilian trucking nicely. Semper fact I can drive 12-13-14 hours non stop easy ( done multiple times in afgh…while half u mfs cry uncle after 6 hours driving.
William C Smith says
They arent going to be trained at 18 in the military. Cant even join until 18
Kelly says
You were able to join at 17 with a parent or guardian signature besides yours. I did in 1979 at 17, out at 21.
William says
Yes one can join at 18 with parents signature..I have 20 yrs 5 months and 29 days of service. I joined at 17 1/2 yrs of age..I had graduated from high school..
Montrell says
Every trucker had to start somewhere
Marcus Williams says
These kids don’t even had control over their emotions, let alone a truck. They haven’t even dealt with basic life experiences. They haven’t dealt with finances, relationships, mind-altering substances like alcohol and other things, bills, anger
Archie wilford Silva says
OH YEAH!!!!! LOL 80 THOUSAND POUNDS OF IMMATURITY..WE ARE STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH DRIVERS 21-40, LOOK AT THE NEWS. THEY WANT TO BE HOME RASING THEIR FAMILIES WITH A CDL. POOR CHOICES AND NOW 18 YEAR OLDS. ANOTHER POOR CHOICE…..
Alex c says
Cheap labor ,like u archie
Connie Ann Bailey says
They won’t hire older Adults fresh out of school to drive Trucks without a minimum of 2 years OTR experience, so 18 year olds should not be behind the wheel of a Truck.
Chris says
Yes why not, If they can be in the military services protect our country then they can drive trucks just like the rest of us. There are many under 18 years of age living on a family farm driving tractor trucks etc and much better Drivers then I have seen on the HWY today.
Gray says
To me. It’s not about if 18-20 yr olds can do the job, but why should the FMC do this before fixing all the existing problems, such as the large number of illegal drivers, meaning illegally in the US that I see on the road everyday. Plus, if the driving age drops, the driving market becomes saturated with cheap drivers, pushing experienced higher paid drivers out. The old saying ” good ain’t cheap and cheap ain’t good” comes to mind. Leave it alone ! Fix the existing HOS and illegal drivers.
Alex c says
Cheap labor ,big trucking want cheap labor , costs to be lower ,so some 19 yo gonna drive brand,new truck make 15 cents a,mile
Kathleen says
Oh no try .10 cents a mile because CR Kibbles & Bits pay their trainees .11 cents per mile, Haven’t you heard…. Pore SOBs
Super 8 says
Is this going to raise our Ins rates. The training in English.
Short circuit says
No !!!!!!
Dee says
I agree. I have brothers and sons, all drove like idiots till after 25 yars of age. Maybe it’s just my family but last week i was on the 54 driving thru Kansas and it is a 2 lane highway mostly. I caught up to a truck with his 53 ft trailer going 45. The speed was 65. Anyway, he would speed up then slow down. Honestly i was beginning to wonder if he was toying with me be cause he sped up when i was close enough to pass and would have my blinker on and then slow down when cars were oncoming. At some point he slowed to 45 again, i took my opportunity. As 8 got beside him he sped up, wouldn’t look at me and i was honking and a truck was oncoming! I saw that he looked like a kid, and i was scared to back off as a car was trying to pass too beind me. I finally had my tractor passed him and began to move over, he slowed just in time before i had a head on collision with the incoming truck. Needless to say he slowed so much to get away from me and the other truck looked like he was stopping. I think he knew he could be in trouble with one of us, but i kept going. That shook me pretty bad. I hope that never happens again. As for the car behind me, he backed off as he saw what was happening and eventually passed him too. I felt like i was back in LA traffic! Argh! No to LA dedicated!
Brian says
You should’ve just waited once you identified there was a problem.safety first it’s better to go 45 mph and be safe than to try go around a truck you obviously knew wasn’t trying to help you out.
Chris says
It should be allowed as long as their able to do the job and have experience let then drive.
Alex c says
Maybe they should let u drive for pesos and u can be super hero
Rick says
Yeah let’s have young men with barely 2 years of experience driving a car get behind the wheel with 80,000 pounds. You know these large carriers will just push them right through without enough training. Then they’ll be trainers in 6 months.
DANIEL E HORTON says
Yup 18 year olds training 18 year old. Most millennials dont wanna work anyway. #endpuppymills
Alex c says
Better choice ,let ray drive with donny as his,co driver
R.J. says
Hasnt the industry learned anything from the fatal I-70 pile-up last week
near Denver???? That guy was the bare minimum 23 years old…
Thats still 5 years more mature than the 18 y/o high school kids
some are willing to put behind the wheel.
Trishlm says
That guy also got his training from a simulator. I don’t know when those were approved but its the dumbest thing I ever heard of. That should be illegal. Put an 18 yr old in a video game type setting and let them out on the road ? Heck then give my 6 yr old grandson a motorcycle license because he gets on one of the simulators at the game room. One of the dumbest things they’ve came out with, along with self driving trucks, depopulation I guess
Kathleen says
Como say what??
Donald Dwynn Lindsey says
18 year old’s can not even control a car on the road how are they to handle a rig weighing up to 80,000 lbs. and it take the a full football field to at 60 mph.
They do not have the commonsense to be behind a wheel of a semi. I drove a semi and also worked as a volunteer with the police here working on wreaks, around 92% involved ages between 18-21 year old’s.
Jim says
Right. Drive in the military, why not? Look, they drive in formation, in a controlled environment and can’t fart on their own without permission, and you want them behind the wheel where they have to make decisions on their own? Right…. Good call Martinez….What a schmuck! I’ve been doing this over 40 years, the majority of it in heavy haul and I know that there are “experienced “ drivers that can’t blow their collective noses without instructions…. and even those need pictures. And you want children behind the wheel? Ohhhh, farm boys, OK. Oh they drove what a grand total of 15 miles from the field to the elevator? Great idea Chao.. Schmuckette!
John says
I agree. Only been doing heavy haul for two years but I’m an experienced driver of thirty years. I’ve made small mistakes but nothing that was a danger to anyone. It takes a lot of concentration and you need good training and lots of driving experience.
Mike Hurd says
Amen, my brother………you hit the nail squarely!!!
D says
Don’t much matter anyway cause most pros out here drive like kids anyway.
John says
I agree to that. If they defended the country. I think they are disciplined enough to drive a truck.
Most of the drivers today have no respect on and off the road.
R.J. says
Thats because MANY are from Pakistan, Bosnia or some other
Third World cesspool; Where anything goes.
I had a non-English speaking Mexican park his truck at the pump in Richmond, Indiana Love’s and go in to shower and eat breakfastat 0800 am with 20+ Trucks backed up. When He finally came out a near fight erupted…So yeah there are idiots out there just not AMERICAN idiots.
Blade says
Hate to disappoint you. But the are American idiots behind the wheel. A guy pulled up behind me while I was getting fuel at Loves, got out and pissed by his drives (yes onto the ground], then went inside. I pulled up, went inside to get my receipt, came back, he was still inside. So yeah…. there’s that.
Trishlm says
That’s another problem why isn’t the law which they made and for good reason, isn’t being enforced ? I wonderful if the driver in Colorado would have been trained in a real truck, not a simulator and if he could have read English, the caution signs, if this would have happened ? IMO the heads of the Fmsca have no idea of the real trucking world. How did they get the jobs they have ? A 2 year degree in Arts ? Like most other government leaders ?
John says
Can you defend your own home? Then you can defend the country too if needed!
Kelly says
Driving like kids then isn’t a professional. Just having a CDL and being labeled doesn’t grant the status. Actions or lack of determine professionalism or not.
Kathleen says
Right, most these people out here today play games…It’s disgusting like they never grew up or surpassed the age of 10.
Stonewall says
NO!!!!
Too likely to figure out that they are not invincible at someone else’s expense…
They usually don’t figure that out until 21…good quality for a soldier..bad for someone sharing the road with me and my truck…or my family…but I’m sure they will just push that through like all their other bad ideas…you can’t fix stupid…
Trish says
Dear God no!!
If they are in the military they are trained to serve and survive. They wont get that training here. And they won’t have the supervision out here.
David Champlin says
There is no driver shortage.
This is done to lower rates.
Pay some kid $750 or $1000 a week to take a TL from east coast to west coast he is happy. When that load should pay the driver 3,4,$5000.
Watch the accidents skyrocket with the politicians stupid decisions. So much for public safety.
Maybe if they had to take an extensive 4-5 month del training course. We already see how they drive cars…and now you want them to drive trucks? I pray nobody gets hurt…but we know that’s inevitable…and God forbid but if someone does get hurt I hope and pray that it’s your family. Then you can feel the pain that you allowed to happen to the rest of us
Trishlm says
Hopefully most trucking companies won’t hire them if this goes through, but the bigger companies will ,we know that they’re the ones pushing for it. And why are so many being hired or given a license with no experience ? Its not a driver shortage, its trucking companies greed. I remember having to have x number of mountain driving and different climate driving before you could get it.
Alex c says
All it is,cheap labor lije the big companies want ,its,all bs
Roderigo says
No
Maltese says
Not no but hell no. And when a catastrophe happens people shouldn’t go after the trucking company they should go and sue the government directly for making such a dumb decision.
Robert Allard says
The way I look at this is kids have to start somewhere and either be trained properly and than they could be left to themself to do this job.
The fact is at 18 up to 30 years old a family life should be happening but if you decide to be a trucker forget about your social and family life all together,
It is not a so easy job to do, the money could be there but you still be a loner.
So long haul driving job is good for LONERS.
R.J. says
Put them with a trainer 24/7 for a year or more… Sort of a Team enviroment. Not constant supervision, because the trainer has to sleep….sometime… but instant experienced resource when
“something” pops up out of the ordinary.
“Slow WAY down or pull over and wake me up”
Wally says
I’ll direct you to the Donner pass video where the “trainer” was in the sleeper when his trainee rolled off the side taking a curve too fast. Trainers should be in the front seat training. Not sleeping.
Ron barker says
No way look at their accidents in cars you want them hauling 80000 pounds. Would only cause to many people to get killed for their carelessness.
Robin Nicole Smith says
I think if they can show that they are mature and responsible even and have enough good training then I would give them a shot.
Mark says
No way but I’m hard I don’t believe Felony charges after they turn 18 should be allowed either.
August R Gilbert says
I do not think it would be a good idea to put under 21 year old drivers in commercial interstate trucks. My opinion is, they do not have enough time or experience driving anything in all weather conditions to be able to know what to do in a bad situation. If there is a driver shortage and such a large turn over of experienced drivers, the trucking companies need to start treating drivers with more respect, start paying us what we are worth, and give a bit more time at home rather than just a 34 hour reset. And yes, I have been driving for 33 years so I think I have the right idea. And lastly, I do not think the 18 year olds have the last bit of party time over with yet.
Lenwood Richardson says
No!!! Thay can not do this. Wait till a 18 year old plows in to a school bus full of first graders. Then all the same people wanting this now will get all kinds of BUTT HURT. The reason that the Military works with 18 year olds is because thay are inexperienced enough to run into danger. Tell a 40 year old to do that and he will say #!!##!# you and the jeep you road in on. Kids do not belong behind the wheel of a truck.
John says
Couldn’t Agee more. I remember being 18 I didn’t have any forethought about danger, consequences etc.. most 18 year olds can be convinced to do anything because they still haven’t fully developed the frontal lobe.
Pointforward21 says
With proper training and a year sign on with one company, if they leave that company before a year to see if the grass is greener elsewhere, training and license are voided. That leaves the company liable for proper training which holds them accountable for their employees.
Rufus says
I think by the time they decide, I believe a teenager could sit on the sleeper bunk and watch TV while an autonomous hovercraft navigates the lunar surface. But that’s just me.
Krossbonzz says
I would like it to be raised to 25 years old. Even at 21 you’re still a puppy in this world. Also just because a person is in the Military doesn’t mean they’re more responsible than others. Most Veterans like myself have experienced this first hand. After a full 4 years of Military experience, most should have the responsible attitude necessary for driving a Semi. And then there’s the inexperienced Foreigners from 3rd World Countries that are clueless to our basic rules of the road. Good thing they had a 2-3 week crash course in Trucking! Treat and pay the current trucking workforce what they deserve. Every mile and hour of work should be paid!
Trishlm says
I agree
Edward Bruner says
It don’t matter if you passed it. No insurance company is going to touch them. On the other hand the big companies that own their insurance company such as your Swift, Sneider, etc they would be the only ones that would be able to pull that off. I don’t think it’s a good idea they barely have enough experience in a car.
Alex c says
All companies r self insured, so lets em put some,18yo bozo in a,140k truck ,see. What happens
KRIS says
HELL NO !!!
IT TAKES SOME MATURITY TO DRIVE A TRUCK !!!
I THINK SOME OF 25 YEAR OLD ARE NOT OLD ENOUGH
YOU NEED TO DRIVE A CAR FOR YEARS TO HAVE SOME COMMON SENSE …
IF THAT HAPPENS I WILL BE SCARED TO DRIVE ON HIGHWAYS
WCJ58 says
Not a chance!!! There is a reason that the current laws are in place.
Randy says
Absolutely NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!
There a very rare and I mean Rare people at 18 that’s got the mentality to be enough of an adult to do it. Crap we got 25 to 30 years that’s causing enough problems.
Randy says
Absolutely NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!
There a very rare and I mean Rare people at 18 that’s got the mentality to be enough of an adult to do it. Crap we got 25 to 30 years that’s causing enough problems.
If they do allow it look for the lawsuits.
Russ says
I see the cost of insurance going up for all trucking companies.
Chris says
Just need to keep the regulations the way they are the is no reason for an 18 year old to drive a commercial vehicle licensed for 80,000 you there problems now let them behind the wheel Accident will increase as will the fatalitys
Steven says
More youngsters will die behind the wheel…like never before.
And this is an encouragement for this young people not to seek a good education…but to become slaves for life.
About drivers shortage story invented by ATA…we hardly have decent paying loads as we speak.
This promotes nothing but lower wages and more accidents or a disaster waiting to happen with blessings from our government.
Thomas says
I definitely agree with you on that aspect.
Terry mcginnis says
I do not have a problem with the military guys and girls driving at least they have a good head on there shoulders but please do not allow these young folks that has no training there is to many out there that cuts us off when we are driving now it would be scary to have them in a big rig doing that.
Willie Hunt says
No I don’t think so
Thomas says
No!!! You have 23,24,33and older who are ready or disciplined enough to drive, and now you want babies to do it. Definitely not. I’m a third generation trucker. I grew up in this industry and I respect it. It’s bad enough we have these schools that gives them their CDL in 3 to4 weeks. You haven’t scratched the surface of truck driving in 4 weeks. Don’t do it!!!!
Don Porche' says
I agree 100% with ooida
Baru says
Nowadays these young kids don’t use even the signal lights on their smart cars, if FMCSA will be responsible for the disasters and the insurances companies will freeze their rates, I don’t have a problem.
Lisa says
18 year old cdl holders are already on the roads driving big trucks. The only question is whether or not they can cross state lines to participate in interstate commerce. Seems like a stupid question to me. But OOIDA totally hit the nail on the head. ATA member companies just want more fresh meat to feed their low paying, high turnover driver pool system. The regulations need to be on them. No more tax credits for training drivers! It enables the whole business model that leads to poorly trained, poorly paid, irresponsible newbies that endanger the public every day.
Alex c says
I drive,big rig at age18 ,but coudnt cross state lines and,was,restricted
Shifter says
This is a very bad idea! This is the equivalent to a child with a loaded diaper. It will only be messy!
Cliff says
Seems that most older hands are just jealous of their turf and don’t want the younger folks in. Their motivation sure isn’t safety given how many running around the country drive now. If some young person wants to try a career in commercial interstate trucking, they should be allowed the shot. I have been at this game since 1982 and I see no reason to put up a roadblock for younger drivers.
Trishlm says
I think you are a fool Cliff. I don’t believe you are a driver yet sounds more like you are one of the little boys who want a job like the real men. If you are a driver and have been for sometime, you have seen enough accidents to know 2 years of automobile driving is a lot different from a semi and after the 2 years of automobile driving, they still aren’t experienced enough to follow the law.
Paul says
I got out of the army at 19 years old and started driving Intrastate while going to school in the evenings. I have no problem with those under 21 driving Interstate if they have the training to do so.
Trishlm says
One problem is they now use simulators not real behind the wheel training. Then throw in the auto driving trucks, do you really think they’re mature enough to stay off their phones and concentrate on the road and others around them ? I don’t
Randy Winston says
Age isn’t always a factor. Common sense is a necessity in this profession and it’s being overlooked. I’m a 40 yr veteran. Training drivers for a few weeks and sending them out in double teams isn’t a smart thing to do.
Gabe says
Looks like they are trying to get more people to work for the low wages they are trying to pay. Good idea for them to drive trucking pay down even more. They can recruit them right out of high school.
Dr. Orlando Garcia says
I believe that putting an 18 yr old person behind the wheel of a semi is total foolishness and will jeopardize the public. An 18 yr old person does not even have experience driving a car. An 18 yr old does not have the knowledge of driving safely; they take too many risks. Trucking companies training programs are totally a joke. I have talked with many drivers about their training program. The majority state the the trainer taught them absolutely nothing. Just because one knows how to drive doesn’t mean they know how to teach. For those who claim the military can train them, I agree. However when they leave the military, they are 21 years of age or older. I say 18 is much too young for such tremendous responsibility. Kids nowadays come from homes where they had no discipline applied. Their lives consists of playing games.
Milechaser says
There’s a high school near Columbia, S.C. that has started a CDL Training course. A.T.A. says that there is a shortage of drivers, and it looks like they are going to address the problem two ways. 1st method is to lower the age, and tell these kids, you can make $45,000 straight out of high school. 2nd method, is to allow more none English speaking / reading people , to get their CDL’s.
Alex c says
Why should language matter, hell 90% of,drivers don’t communicate anyhow
Trishlm says
Heck a lot of states Texas especially that I personally know of as I witnessed it, will take the test for them ( non English ) the fmsca can’t follow the law by enforcing it why should an 18 yr old. Stupidest idea they’ve came up with so far.
Dezerae says
No.
Jay says
As a long as they paint their trucks hot PINK, so I can get the heck out of their way, I’m ok with that.
Karen aa says
Awesome idea!
Stephen Rodgers says
For all of you say “no, they can’t do this”. I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that they already are doing this job. The only difference is that they can’t cross the state line. Do you really believe that a driver that can handle a load from Galveston to Texarkana, suddenly stops knowing how to drive when he gets to a sign that says welcome to Oklahoma?
John says
Good point but the problem isn’t so much with the ones doing it already in state, it’s new recruits being thrown OTR long haul with zero experience. Most kids can’t even read a map. They’d be too distracted with Instagram
anonymous says
why is he in oklahoma when he should be in texarkana?
Alex c says
So kid can’t read a map ,whats,the big deal ,like going to Worcester, they told me,Wooster I ended up in ohio
Randell says
Wow, I find this completely ignorant. I don’t even want to explain, but here we go. Short: OTR and local are two different animals. Anyone who has ever driven both understand. That’s why we put years In OTR, just to land that local job that pays less. Less stress, more sleep, more family, better health.
Anthony says
I wish people would think before they type. The Military trains, supervise, and oversees the young ones. Truck driving schools trains incorrectly and sets them free. They go work for a company and go from 24 year old trained, to driver to driver trainer in under 2 years that stupid, and not wise. Thats like taking junior goes in the Army trains for a year and next year he/she is a 5 star GENERAL
Anthony says
Different rules
Karen aa says
Do I want 18yr old truck drivers??? Really! Do you want a surgeon right out of school who hasn’t done his internship for experience? No, 18 year olds just don’t have enough experience driving to be able to handle a big rig, 😐.
TexasJester says
And someone who just turned 21 with no trucking experience is any better???
It all depends on the person.
Alex c says
Same,as ray taking job as,trucking super hero, he don’t know didley but he blew donny
Brian says
To young and not mature enough most of the 21 year old drivers are a hazard on the road until they get enough experience in to realize it is not a car and can potentially kill many people and mature enough to drive with caution and never get over confident 18 year olds still know everything and no matter what you try to teach them they will do it their own way
Tony Rollinson says
Only after a full and complete back ground check and IQ test. Then maybe consider allowing them to operate a 80,000lb vehicle on public highways. If they can’t pour piss out of a boot with the instructions on the heel of the boot, NO!!!! Then they should run for public office.
Gary E Johnson says
OMG no that is a stupid idea it’s bad enough on the road that we got people from other countries that don’t know how to drive we don’t need children driving especially an 80lb thousand pound vehicle
jose says
hell no kids drive 18 19 20 there crazy feel sorry for family traveling
TexasJester says
But at 21, they magically become sane?? That’s about as stupid as saying that when we go from AZ to CA, we lose our ability to drive safely, and that’s why we have to go slower.
I know 18-year-olds that make better drivers than many with 20 years experience – I work with one that started intrastate in Nebraska with my company. Smart kid – now in his mid-20s, and proving himself to be a natural leader, as well as a responsible kid. It all depends on the person.
Austin Ford says
Absolutely not. I see way to many “high school graduates” that can’t read, write, spell even basic words or even do basic math. They can’t function without a smart phone. How many stories have been on here about alleged “professional truck drivers” that follow their GPS, without using any common sense, and get themselves into trouble (driving on a pedestrian walkway, destroying bridges clearly marked not rated for trucks, ect.)? The new breed of truckers think they know everything about everything and don’t want to listen to the oldtimers. I have been a commercial driver (OTR and Local) for 35 years and it’s time to call it quits. It is sad to see the once noble profession of truck driving being turned into a circus sideshow.
Randell says
I am a new driver age 27, and I agree with you. I really do. I take the time to to listen to any old timer that takes their time to teach me something. Their advice has helped me more than any training with my company could. I use a map now, when I going somewhere new, and I don’t use my phone for gps and always check my Qualcomm’s navigation before following it.
Austin Ford says
It sounds like you are one of the few who has their head on straight. Technology is great and it certainly has a place, but gps can fail, qualcomm’s can fail, some areas don’t have cell coverage. Map reading is a necessary skill, good route planning is a necessary skill, common sense is necessary. The oldtimer’s may not be as tech savvy as the new kids are, but they have a lot of information backed up by years of practical experience. Like any profession, a good driver should always be learning and seeking new skills and honing them. A wise old trucker once told me “A driver who thinks they know everything is a dangerous driver. They need to change their mind set or get off the road.” Good Luck to you in your new adventures. Be Safe.
Randell says
Being alone in a truck, for months at a time, is too much for an 18 year old to handle. These trucks are no joke, one false move, and people die. Sending a text and being hit by a 30mph cross wind could kill several people. Comparing this to the military is absolutely ridiculous, because there is no freedom in the military. Out here, it’s all open road and freedom, and every decision a driver makes has to do with driving. No matter how small the decision is, from going to bed, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, smoking, and even women. In the military, you don’t control any of that, your superiors do. However, I am not completely against it. Maybe if high schools, or trade schools offered classes and the students did a 2-4 year program, and then went out with a trainer for a year, and yes I said a year, then maybe at 19 they could have the skills and discipline to go on their own. This is the hardest license to get, and the most dangerous to have. One wrong move can put them in prison, or a casket. I can honestly say, I would not have been ready at 18, I would have messed up. Maybe not by causing an accident, but my maturity just was not there. I would have gotten into trouble, fights, bars, women, etc. Other than safety, I see other problems as well. Job security, turn over, and pay. No one is going to pay an 18 year old 1600 a week, which is what I make, so why would they pay me 1300, when they can pay an 18 year old 600? I have never been in an accident, I have never been late, and I have never had any real problems, however 18 year old me would have. Self control is key. I don’t think we should complete count them out, but serious training laws must be passed and strictly enforced. The training I had, 240 hours behind the wheel with a trainer, was barely enough to get me ready at 26 with life experience, college education, and 8 years of work experience. I have a high IQ, and learn faster than most. So please, for them, and for American families, be extremely strict. Extremely. Mandatory home time, 8hour clocks instead of 11, 1 year OTR with a trainer. Start at 19 for solo vs 18. Just suggestions.
Duh says
“Here are some advanced weapons and tactical training. Go Kill America’s Enemies in their own backyards.”
“Sorry – you can’t drive a truck back home, its too dangerous for your small mental capabilities!”
Really?
TFields says
Yes!
Blade says
Directly out of high school? No. Directly out of the military? Yes.
You guys have to remember that no one is coming OUT of the military at 18. Most don’t even go in until 18 (or 17 like I did). So you’re looking at 21-22 after 4 years. So i’m not sure how those got intermingled. But I wholeheartedly agree with OOIDA that the larger companies just want high turnover and keep wages low by flooding the pool.
Randell says
No one is talking about when they come out of the military. When they go in, which is the same time they would go into truck driving. Would the military train a group of 18 year olds 3 weeks and then give them m4s tanks and explosives and drop them off all alone in the middle of an Afghan town? No. Hell no. Understand, don’t just read.
Farlen Alvarado says
I don’t think driving 80,000 lbs is something for a person who has a bare minimum driving experience. That’s just a disaster waiting to happen.
Thomas Madden says
I say NO, I remember when I was 18 and was not grown up enough to drive a car and your talking about a truck. Take care of the drivers you have now and fix the problems we have and we would not have a shortage. I could go on and on about a lot of things but nobody else would be able to write anything because there be no room left for them so I will leave it the way it is
edgar says
all of you guys that said no are funny it dont matter the age you still see all these all men’s on the road driving stupid you try to pass them and they speed up turning with signal smoking there bakes like crazy in down hills age don’t matter longest you use your common sense
Leo says
No i do not want to drive on the same interstate with hormone raged teen driving a big rig. IMO i think the regulations need to be changed to atleast 5 years driving experience with a regular license before you can get a class A. It takes experience and time to learn how to “read” the road.
Jeffrey McEntire says
I agree. As long as the training is top of the line. Cell phone should be placed in the glove box to prevent any distractions. I remember what I was like at that age.
Brad says
What’s the difference at 18 u can get ur CDL and run intrastate and depends on the state u live in u can run more miles and more major cities then others if there trained right and I don’t mean by a big trucking company r truck Driving School that does it in 6 weeks that’s not training that’s getting ur CDL and learning to drive it that’s not teaching him to be a driver there’s more to it thin holding a steering wheel and 75% of driver out there to day R that way
Matt helms says
No way!!!
Gary says
Boy, some people are willing to do anything for cheap labor.
timothy says
If you want a whole lot of lawsuits and weeping mothers, sure…. I guarantee 18 is a lot more painful to loose someone …. I feel bad to take this stance but it’s only one reason they (corporations) to lower freight rates… a kid at 18 should be looking at college or trade school…. trucking isn’t getting safer, it’s getting more dangerous… adding today’s millenials into the mix…. dear God save us all
Weldman says
There is a reason rental companies only allow drivers 25 and older rent cars/trucks. If you are under 21 and already out of the military trying to get into trucking, you obviously did something wrong to get out early since youngest you can join is 17 with parents permission.
Joe Soto says
Not a good idea.. still to young..cause not all of them follow rules. That’s the human way.Would be a mess.. military vehicles are different than a big truck and plus traffic and road rage you got to put up with weather you drive a vehicle or a big truck all the same road rage…To risky…
Rodney says
I don’t think the younger generation now has the mentality of being responsible for such a task, may think they do, but several young people think they can do a lot of things they see on internet or other networks, but we need more safety out here, not taking more chances, the drivers we have now that are younger, need more training, they missed out some where, I don’t know how you teach common sense and courtesy and practicing of being a professional driver, but that’s what we need, I want to say thanks to all you guys in the big offices, that are trying to make a difference out here
Wally says
All these comments are not solving the problem, including mine. When are we going to band together as an industry and change the whole thing to what we want? Until then, comments can be ignored, ELDs will continue, the BS HOS will be there, we can’t park places anymore, we can’t force the govt. to fix the bad roads. Just venting in forums is a waste of time.
Anthony says
I wish people would think before they type. The Military trains, supervise, and oversees the young ones. Truck driving schools trains incorrectly and sets them free. They go work for a company and go from 24 year old trained, to driver to driver trainer in under 2 years that stupid, and not wise. Thats like taking junior goes in the Army trains for a year and next year he/she is a 5 star GENERAL
Edward Kasrani says
It’s not kids game to let under 21 to drive semi it happens in the army that’s true but in other countries and what ever happens there nobody cares but here in U. S it’s defrent because here if the driver hits somebody he’s gonna be in jail
And I believe guys (f. M. C. S. A) you need to stop thinking about bringing those kids to this job because for you guys it’s like bringing more money to you (tickets violation etc…) and focus on people who are dying because they are texting and I dare you or any power in U. Z IF YOU CAN texting on the highway and life is not if we believe that money talks
Reggie says
Absolutely Not!!!!
I don’t want to discriminate against 18 to 20 year old people, but that’s just to young to drive semi’s in, or out of state. Now days they can’t put the phones down long enough to eat a meal, but that goes for some older people also. So it’s not about age, it’s about maturity. I’ve known 18 year olds showing more maturity than 40 years olds, and older. So with all the distractions now days, I would vote against ( if it came to that) 18 to 20 year olds driving semis period. I wanted to drive semis after high school, but at 18 the law prevented that. So I started at 23 and been doing it ever since. There’s NO driver shortage . Don’t believe the hype!
Steve Hughart says
If you’re 18yrs old you are eather in military so how can you drive a truck cross country there are some stupid a$$ people out there there is no way you can be in military full time and drive cross country. These companies are using the military to get these 18yr old kids in there trucks
Kenny says
Absolutely not! They have no driving experience to help them. Mistake. Plus they aren’t past their party mode stage
BAD IDEA says
Don’t put INNOCENT PEOPLE LIVES at risk, enough is enough America, this is ridiculous, PURE GREED.
Perry Keener says
Yes I think you idiots should let kids drive trucks, I think that their driving school should be the rocky mountains in wintertime.
If they survive that , they might work out .
Clark Ward blasdel says
I say only allow 18yo to drive trucks who have served in the military with honorable discharge so at least they have been taught discipline.
MrNA says
The intrastate rules are good in the Midwest and western states. If you don’t live in one, too bad. A lot of us started at 18 or less but 40 years ago it was completely different. Attitudes have changed. Trucks drive themselves. This is all about $$$. Most stuff is. I hope all who comment here comment to the FMCSA docket link too. I’m with OOIDA.
CS says
NO, there’s already to many 21 year olds that can’t drive.
To many young drivers with no respect, courtesy, or skill.
Doug Williams says
No! Some don’t even have a sense of direction when it comes to navigation, some don’t even have courtesy. Most schools arent even allowed to teach alley docking, straight or 45 -45. Most of these younger 21-25 drivers don’t have the attention span or use their mirrors often and majority of them text while driving, so NO!
TexasJester says
Depends on the person. I’ve met 18-year-olds with more common sense and maturity than many 40-year-olds. My company had one young man running Nebraska at 18 – the boss gave him a new truck when he turned 21 – the kid is a great driver and a natural leader. And I’ve seen 25 year old people who shouldn’t be driving a skateboard, much less a truck!
As far as the “driver shortage”, it’s simple. The ATA companies – like Schneider, JB Hunt, Werner, England’s, Swift, etc – order truck’s by the hundred- or thousand-lot. The trucks get delivered, and they don’t have enough drivers to fill them. So there’s a driver shortage – QED.
Then, once they do start filling some of the seats, the companies don’t have enough freight for the drivers, and they sit. (Many times the companies have freight, but they’ve undercut so badly it doesn’t pay enough, so they broker it out to inexperienced or just plain stupid O/Os.) The drivers sit long enough, they quit. More driver shortage – QED.
ATA companies cause their own shortages.
mike says
I think they should get more driving experience before attempting to drive a big truck. They should get a driving job as a team driver with another driver that has several years experience to train them properly. Even though they have a license they would be regarded as a trainee ,subject to being fired for any infraction they have while driving. The driver doing the training should get a slap on the hand for allowing it . This training period should go on for at least 5 years or more depending on the drivers age at time of hire .The driver should accumulate driving time if he leaves company and gets another job .
C.S says
If you are under 21 your vehicle insurance is sky high. Just think what it will be for transportation company. Your insurance companies will send you roses every time there is a accident, with the new premium quote.
Rooster says
How can you be a military veteran at 18? What did you do rotc, boot camp for a week and then decide eff it I’m gonna Drive a truck?
Lucky says
No they need more maturity before driving big truck.
Ks says
Nop.
Trevor says
“Common-sense step”? Yeah right!
Trevor says
I wonder what insurance companies think about this. Probably cost quite a bit for liability insurance to cover one of them youngsters.
Trevor says
Is this the government’s answer to cutting down on the population in some sick twisted way?
Deen Matteo says
I drove a truck for 22 years I saw so much stupidity out there on the road some drivers of all ages. I also taught her to truck driving school what a joke all about the money. We had people from other countries trying to learn how to drive a big truck and couldn’t figure it out for nothing yet they were still given a CDL. God help us it’s only going to get worse.
Joe2boltz says
Nobody taught me. When I turned 21 in 1976 my parents cosigned for me. I bought a used 1974 4070 A sleeper cab w/ a shiny 290 with a 13 speed underdrive on a Henderson walking beam and Daton wheels. I bobtailed to little rock with my suitcase $3000 cash and 2 pages of made up driving history.
I figured it out all by myself and I’m still doin it to it like sonny Pruitt used to do it to it.
I could have done it at 18 but not otr.
Some kids can do it and some can’t.
Smith says
At 18 they just don’t have enough life experience. A lot of people from the non-trucking world don’t have a clue that it’s more than just driving the US and seeing the scenery. Leave it as is and give them time to mature, not just the guys but the gals as well.
Tommylynn says
I think that 18 year old is to young to have A CDL. Plus there are a lot of drivers
from 30 to 50 that don’t what they are doing out here . The old drivers are leaving
trucking because of how companies treat drivers and ELDS
Roscoe Jonson says
Absolutely not… This is rediculus, they haven’t even been driving a vehicle more than 2 years if that. This is not McDonalds , this is a life and death career ,theirs and ours …Come see us after you’re 21 and been driving awhile
Maurice says
Military isn’t the same. Militants are still in groups when going into missions. Driving you’re alone, even when companies team new students together it’s the blind leading the blind. Instead of increasing the revenue for drivers to be able to provide for themselves and families ya’ll would rather put youngins out on the road? Smart I tell ya.
Nathan says
This topic is ridiculous to even be talked about. Absolutely no!!!!! I believe kids should not be given the opportunity to obtain a basic drivers license until the age of 18. I’m only 41 years old but I truly believe most will agree that kids today are not raised as most were.
DG says
Im on both sides of the fence here.
We had a 19 yr old (girl at that) who had never been in a truck before that wanted to work for us, unfourtantly the insurance changed their policy on it (we do alot of instate stuff so she voulda done that) and wouldnt let us hire her.
However, she could drive better then some of the old guys. Only thing she had a lil issue with was backing up. But that woulda came.
That being said though, ive also seen 18, 19, whatever year olds who honestly, shouldnt be driving a lawn mower much less a truck.
If they pass this, they should make these kids drive atleast 2 years in a B class vehicle (straight truck, etc) and only North of the ohio river, east of the mississippi, and west of appalacha. If they make it two years without a hiccup (as in, not so much as a 5 over ticket), then train them to run an Class A in the same geographic area. After another clean year, give them their full license.
Adam Duriga says
Heck No we need drivers out here with common sense we don’t need no 18 year old drivers out here to drive the interstate I think that would be big accidents waiting to happen number one they would be fighting with other truck drivers trying to pick fights and the other thing is they would be more aggressive drivers out on the road thinking they’re big shots and get the big head because they are driving an 18-wheeler
Jon says
I was hoping they would raise it to 30 soon …
Bruce nelson says
they don’t have a shortage of truck drivers with all the trucks sitting in truck stops empty and they would have plenty if u would start living in the United States instead of a communist would of thinking of controlling the people and get rid of the eld people would come back.
Danny says
With my Generation absolutely not… maybe 20 but not 18 or 19
Trevor says
Ha ha the jokes on them most states are introducing bills to increase the driving age to 21. Even some states have curfew laws which would disallow someone between 18 to 21 to drive between 11 PM and 5 AM.
WTF says
No, I dont think 18 yr old have the driving experience..is the fmcsa willing to take responsibility for the lives when someone is injured or killed?
WTF says
No..I do not think that 18 yr olds have the driving experience..is the fmcsa willing to accept the responsibility of their actions..I havent seen it yet.
Randy says
No unless they have been raised around trucking there letting on the road to early as it is
Charles Jewell says
If your are wanting to issue tickets to trucking companies it’s a great way to increase fines But it’s not a good idea they can’t even drive a car safely have you even paid attention to 18 year olds they have their face in the phone all the time and can’t even find there way home,, so sure put them in a big rig and terrorize the public highway
Chris D says
My two cents: A unbiased real solution that has Great Impact Potential.
Driver Shortage / Mega Carriers / Driver Turnover / Commercial Drivers under the age of 21
FMSCA is wanting feedback see this article: https://www.thetruckersreport.com/want-18-year-old-truckers-driving-interstate-fmcsa-wants-know/
Here are my inputs! If you agree, repost this.
Driver Shortage: There is data that supports this claim and data that counters this claim. So I am going to base my response in agreement with that there is a driver shortage.
I petition the FMCSA to look at what causes this because I ascertain that this can be changed quickly, but first we need to understand what is happening.
Recruiting: They build the dream that Trucking is an industry that will result in people achieving their dreams. Not the truth in most cases.
Driver Turnover & Mega Carriers: up to a 117% Driver turnover each year (this is a statistical fact for some companies). What causes this? Answer: False results even for the best of runners; drivers being treated like a dime-a-dozen; the treatment of the drivers under these large corporate giants in most cases is poor treatment at its best. Results: A very negative experience of the drivers and attrition statistics that spell “company in trouble”.
Under age of 21 yrs old Class A CDL drivers: The same Carriers that are pushing for this, are the same Carriers that are experiencing ridiculous attrition (loss of drivers) and instead of taking the steps to solve the problem, they now want to reduce the age standards which were put in place to begin with because of safety standards. By reducing the age limitations, we are likely to witness even more accidents. The entire motor vehicle insurance industry is based on things like: age; credit score; driving record etc. so it is my firm conviction that reducing the age limitations is NOT the correct answer.
I would like for the FMCSA to help change the environment by looking at the causes of the situation at hand and not allow changes that are reactive to what is at hand, but instead position themselves by not giving in and forcing Industry change. To do this will be burdensome however, it is needed.
You see: All Brokers, Shippers, Agents need to realize that if the company driver or Owner Operators or Motor Carriers are not compensated correctly (which is the situation) and are treated poorly (which is the situation), then the current trends are going to only worsen. The recruitment of younger drivers will NOT help.
We need FMCSA, the current POTUS, and all political constituents to take this onboard and get this into to media.
Instead of band aiding the shortage of Class A Commercial Vehicle Operators by reducing the standards of the minimum age to anybody less than the age of 21 yrs. Instead, we need every constituent on public office at every level to realize the problem and bring a solution that will work, and that is:
“Bring the pay levels and minimum treatment expectations to this Industry by publicly pushing this agenda to raise the expectations and accountability to the Mega Carriers, Shippers, and Brokers. Bring the necessary Flexible Hours of Service changes and change the laws immediately. Communicate to the Shippers & Receivers the need of increase overnight parking, and force all truck stops to have no more than 20% reserved parking and no less 80% free parking.”
This is overdue!
Dear Politician, we would be honored if you will carry this out and become our HERO!
Signed,
Professional CMV Operator (with a real perspective and sensible solution)!
Matthew says
Yes… It is a God given Right to Pursuit of Happiness. Everyone has the Right to labor in whatever manner that makes them happy, regardless of age.
Bob says
It shows in studies that drivers (men or women) between the age of 16 through 19 years old have more accidents then drivers over 65 years old. That should be proof enough. It should remain at 21 and over unless the FMCSA would like to see the death toll rise
Maria says
Absolutely NOT. Not only is dangerous for everyone; but it will drive down wages even more !!!
Al says
Absolutely NOT!
These KIDS driving farm equipment and Trucks are dangerous enough!
Putting them on the Interstate @70 mph is BEYOND LUDICROUS!
Ron says
The people have “No Fear, or Common Sense ” at that age.
Montrell says
Truckers are not going to agree because truckers especially older truckers who forgot that they had to start from somewhere their self are actually haters
Larry says
There is a high turnover rate with big carriers because they show their drivers no respect they pay them Pennies on the dollar when they get experience they go where the money is and that’s not with the big carrier
Larry says
Big carriers show their driver’s no respect they lie to him to get them in their truck they pay them Pennies on the dollar when they get experience they go where the money is and that’s not with the big Carriere
Donald wood says
I work with a group of military young men Drivers they think they know it all dont want help from the older drivers all of them have had accidents roll over rear end side swipes many of them 2 to 3 accident
Cyn says
In short my answer is no for the following reason. The FMCSA likes to have data when making a rule change. In this subject there is plenty of data which makes this an easy one. Think about insurance rates and what age group has the highest rates on insurance. The insurance institutes probably have more data on this subject than anyone and it is reflected in rates. I think that should be enough in this case as to not allow an 18 year old with 80,000 lbs to drive alone. I don’t think it would be a bad program if they were a team driver at least that way they have a mentor of sorts in case any issues arise and I don’t know of any team driver that would allow them to drive if they didn’t feel secure. Start at 18 as a team and alone at 21.
Dave Bean says
Some 18 y o could handle local, but interstate is a lot different. publish who wants this and why. I’m sure some 18’s would be fine ; some not so much.
Wally says
This is one more ATA (Anti-TruckDriver Association) push to drive down driver pay. Driver mills and self insured companies have undercut rates for years by hiring minimally trained steering wheel holders. FMCSA THERE IS NO DRIVER SHORTAGE. ONLY A SHORTAGE OF A LIVING WAGE FOR COMPETENT EXPERIENCED DRIVERS. While teens are calling for $15/hr why isn’t there a push for real wages for one of the most dangerous and arguably the most important job in the world. Doubt me? Look around and count everything that DIDN’T get moved by truck at some point. I dare say that you won’t need more than one hand to count them.
David says
Theirs no substitute for Experience, but, we have some younger people that could drive a heavy rig with very little training. Because their interested in what they are doing and have some common sense. We also, have older people,that couldn’t drive a wheelbarrow! To me, its a common fact if you want better work hands (experience) – you pay better money! If you like your job , you’ll want to keep it and you and your employer ( even o/o )will both benefit but, you need to make a living also. We’ve lost numerous good drivers due to low pay and aggressive stupid regulations! NOTHING is free, you trade something for something always!
Sara says
I’m just in it for the air horn and the the Jake brake 10-4
Russell says
Well trained drivers that can respect a truck then its doable but just some 18 to 20 year old that just received there CDL then no trucks demand respect if not then you are asking for trouble
Jim Gilley says
No ….across America in most cities or states the legal age is 16 and they dont have drivers ed until the 10 grade …and still most of the people I have seen driving out here on these open roads still dont know how to drive …they dont know what blinking signal lights mean or even what break lights are for …as well as four way hazard lights indicate….NO don’t lower the age instead Raise the education Level
Steve Hamilton says
They have to be well trained and be serious about trucking
Mike L says
The majority of 18 year olds do not have a fully developed brain or the life experience to be responsible for controlling a large heavy truck (especially if it’s full of hazardous chemicals). Just think back to some of the irresponsible things most of us did when we were 18 to 20 years old.
Manuel Perez says
If they paid drivers more their wont be a socall shortage they want young drivers that their not gonna pay much to get their product delivered companies dont care about drivers just want stuff moved cheap look at parking for example is it fixed does anyone care no nobody cares nobody cares about anyone’s opinion their gonna pass it anyway
Ed says
In many, if not all, states 18, 19, and 20 years olds can already drive intrastate. Look at how big Texas, California, and Montana are. To name a few. And a driver who stays within those states running intrastate will experience the same kinds of traffic, seasons, terrain, and all as an OTR driver. In many states, they will actually drive heavier vehicles in harsher terrain than a drop and hook van driver will OTR. A simple study needs done to determine if those younger intrastate drivers have higher accident rates that their older peers. If they do not, then arbitrary and imaginary state lines shouldn’t matter. Many of you are just opposed to younger drivers doing this in some misquided blame game to make yourself feel more inportant than you really are. I have been driving close to 27 years. Started in my late 20’s. I could have done this job at 18 if I’d have had similar training. I didnt mature that much from 18 to 26. Many of you haven’t matured at all well into your 40’s and 50’s. If you were as mature and responsible as you claim to be, you would be willing to teach and mentor these younger drivers instead of just bash them.
Thomas Jr says
Yes young men should be given a chance to be trained in the life style of the trucking industry as well as young women. If we do this maybe it will keep the robutt trucks off the hiways. Loosing more jobs to them damm things.
Tyler Bassett says
NO. You will end up with a ton of dead people and more seasoned drivers leaving the industry be cause the road is already to unsafe because of the 20-30 year old first year drivers not respecting the road as any truck driver with 5 years in a Class 10 and you will find its the same Or just look at all the bad trucking accidents and then see how much drive time the driver had and the answer will be plain as day.
Diezl'n Devildawg says
Since when do we have military veterans at the ages of 18,19,& 20 when they enter our military at 18 & serve a minimum of 4 years in a contract thats 22 years old if they decide to get out at the end of their contract. So where are these 18,19,& 20 year old veterans at.
Trucker Kev The Paid Tourist says
this is been an interesting subject I’ve thought about more and more as I prepare to enter my 30th year in an industry I don’t even recognize from five or ten years ago when I started. at first I was ready to vehemently deny and not want to hear anything about the subject as I did not agree from the get-go..
but the more I thought about it and the more I see veteran drivers now unfortunately with elog but the biggest problem lousy training is the biggest problem. you have people at six to eight months allowed to trade people and teach what they know.. YOU DON’T KNOW NOTHING!!
it’s like the blind leading the blind around. 29 years out here and I’m still learning something new everyday.
now gang as far as why did I change my mind it’s as simple as this give in the clowns that are out here looking up at Canada what they have now importing everybody and outsourcing industry just like we outsource * industry in 2003 and it’s been downhill ever since..
think about what we have now we have CSA 2010 e logs truck wrecks and crashes on a daily basis for the last five or six years and unbelievable numbers all around and these are not just new twenty one year olds out here.
the rent A Foreigner program was one of the worst things that ever started but there was a reason we had to have it as we lost too many drivers in that want to do what became a job. but if you take some of these 18 to 20 year old kids who are basically flipping burgers slacking around sitting in the basement doing nothing that want to drive a truck the local Jazz may not be there and they’re waiting for that opportunity when they turn 21 what’s the difference between someone who’s 18 or who someone who’s 21.
you give them an incentive to make twice as much money as they could make before they turn 21 flipping burgers at McDonald’s into an entry-level Trucking what’s the difference if they’re intrastate or interstate? well for one thing it depends on where they start if you live in Delaware or Rhode Island it’s kind of crappy for you sorry if you live in Texas or California or Florida well hell you can run interstate from stateline to stateline for the rest of your career.
I mean if you live in Texas and you’re an 18 year old kid and you’re running length the Halls almost 900 miles each way from Houston out to El Paso and back that’s 1800 miles. but if you give these young kids and incentive and you train them properly the right way the old professional way not this new breed way of lousy minimal to zero training As It seems. but you also let them know that privilege can be taken away. but you give them a chance to begin a career and a professional driving career for those that really desire to train them the right way and there’s a chance that the program could work really well knowing basically if you screw up your out.. it’s very much may keep them working and trying really hard and when you look at these 40 and 50 year old some show called experienced drivers nowadays all these foreigners there’s a chance that you could bring some respect and integrity back into the industry if and only if you get enough interested.
the more they keep importing these immigrants unfortunately improperly trained and crashing the more of this industry will never have the respect that it once had and that’s a truth they have proven their unworthiness in the recklessness I enjoy putting them on YouTube for the whole world to see..I also enjoy sending videos right to their companies so they could see the kind of clowns that they got and have a good laugh together and hopefully they realize that they’re not laughing with them they’re laughing at them.
but I have reconsidered that thought under the proper circumstances and the right incentives you might actually get quality driver’s again not a bunch of reckless fools as to whether they’re 18 19 or 20 vs 21 anymore there doesn’t seem to be a difference because his I said I see 40 and 50 year old people entry-level drivers are supposed to be mature adults changing careers that are just as reckless and stupid unfortunately.
so now we have to get stuck all the professionals from 1995 and before lumped in with this you say oh I drive a truck people looks just like what discussed because of what has happened from 2003 to the present and continues to happen look at the Colorado disaster look at the latest story with the smoot Brothers road rage DMF’s.
in fact take a look next time you’re on the road in your truck how many people tailgate you and don’t know what the hell following distances to save their life 3 second rule what in God’s name is that they don’t teach your damn these schools they don’t even teach him how to use mirrors properly..think about this how many times you hear somebody hit the idiots strips on the shoulder now picture that truck off the road that’s not an isolated incident is it folks?? no it’s an attic continues to happen too often but now pictures every time you hear a truck hit an idiot strip he’s off the road.. real comforting to know isn’t it gang?
shell yes I think the pilot program could possibly work given the right incentive and the right benefit and the proper training but also let them know it can be taken away that privilege it may make them want to work harder and proper knowing what’s on the line but also knowing the rewards at such a young age of the kind of money that they can make.
Deputy Dawg 2020 says
First, insurance rates are going to be sky high. If FMSCA is going to be that stupid prepare for one thing, a lot of body bags. Current system is not working at all. Let’s fix the current system and start with this, if you can’t take the CDL test in English you do not get your CDL license, period. Stop offering the test in multiple languages because all signs in and on the US highways are in English. Case in point, Colorado tragedy. If you allow this, guess who is crossing the border?
Deputy Dawg 2020 says
Why don’t you fix the existing problems first before you create more problems? Just a thought…
And let’s not forget this, the number of body bags from this incredibly ridiculous idea….
Ed says
Absolutely not they act responsibly
With a trainer but on there own
They will be a nightmare
Yeah they do well in the military but that’s because they are under a high authority continuously they aren’t
Responsible to handle the pressure out here