ATA’s Exemption Request Approved: What Happens Now

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has approved a five-year exemption request for the American Trucking Associations (ATA). This exemption allows individuals to qualify for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) inspections without meeting the usual one-year training or experience requirement. It took effect on January 16, 2025, and will last until January 16, 2030.

What Are the Current Rules?

FMCSA regulations require that people who inspect, maintain, and repair CMVs must have at least one year of training or experience. These rules help make sure vehicles stay safe and meet federal standards. Inspectors must know how to check important systems, including brakes.

What Did the ATA Exemption Request Include?

In 2021, ATA asked FMCSA for an exemption from the one-year requirement. They proposed a different way for people to become qualified inspectors. Instead of the one-year rule, ATA wanted training programs to follow the Technology and Maintenance Council’s (TMC) recommended practices (RPs).

ATA suggested that educators could certify their own programs using these recommended practices. If students completed the programs, they could qualify in less than one year. The training would include both classroom learning and hands-on practice. Programs could take between 210 and 540 hours to finish.

ATA also wanted an option for experienced individuals to qualify faster. They could take and pass the ASE T4 and T8 certification tests instead of completing a full training program. These tests cover important topics like brakes and maintenance.

FMCSA’s Decision

FMCSA approved ATA’s request. They found that TMC’s training programs could provide the same or better level of safety as the current one-year requirement.

FMCSA stated, “granting an exemption from the requirements that motor carriers and intermodal equipment providers ensure that individuals performing annual inspections have one year of training, experience, or a combination thereof would likely achieve a level of safety equivalent to or greater than the level of safety provided by the regulatory requirements.”

TMC’s recommended practices are detailed guidelines for CMV maintenance. They provide step-by-step instructions for inspections and repairs. Industry experts regularly review and update these practices to keep them accurate and useful.

FMCSA agreed with ATA’s training plan, which includes 540 hours of instruction. This consists of one-third classroom work and two-thirds hands-on practice. They also approved an option for students with 330 hours of training to “test out” by passing the ASE exams.

Industry Support for the Exemption Request

The American Bus Association (ABA) supported the exemption. They said it would help fill the shortage of maintenance workers. ABA commented that it will “positively impact the commercial motor vehicle industry by expanding accessibility and opportunities for professional development and staffing.”

FMCSA agreed that the exemption could help companies find qualified inspectors more quickly while keeping safety a top priority.

Conditions for the Exemption Request

FMCSA included several conditions to make sure the exemption works safely. These include:

1. Training Certification: Schools must confirm their programs follow TMC’s recommended practices. They must also inform ATA when their programs meet the standards.
2. Certificates for Graduates: Students who complete the training must receive a certificate proving their qualification.
3. Record Keeping: Training providers must keep records of all certified individuals and provide them if asked.
4. Employer Responsibility: Companies must confirm that their inspectors were trained through an approved program.

FMCSA will cancel the exemption if these conditions are not met or if safety problems occur.

How Will FMCSA Monitor the Exemption?

FMCSA will closely track the results of the exemption. They will end it if they find it lowers safety. FMCSA stated they would revoke it if “the exemption has resulted in a lower level of safety than was maintained before the exemption was granted.”

The exemption applies only to interstate operations. States can choose to follow the same rules for intrastate operations but are not required to.

Looking Ahead

The FMCSA’s five-year exemption provides a faster way for CMV inspectors to get qualified. By using TMC’s recommended practices, it aims to help trucking companies hire skilled workers while keeping high safety standards. The program is expected to improve training options and workforce availability in the trucking industry.