New CDL Training Grant: Great Opportunities for Veterans and Underserved

The government is providing close to $3.5 million to help train new truck drivers and improve safety on the roads. The money will go to 27 different schools and programs that teach people how to drive trucks. This funding is part of a plan to strengthen the trucking industry and make it easier for people to start careers as truck drivers.

Helping Meet the Demand for Truck Drivers

The grants are from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). On August 26, 2024, the FMCSA announced that this money will help schools and programs train more people to become truck drivers. This is important because there is a big need for more truck drivers in the U.S.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said, “We are investing in training for truck drivers. This will help us meet the demand for drivers and prepare for the future. Today’s funding is part of our plan to support workers and keep the economy moving.”

Goals of the CDL Training Grant Program

The grant program is called the Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training (CMVOST) Program. It has three main goals:

1. Improve Safety for Truck Drivers: The program will give truck drivers better training on how to be safe on the roads. This will help reduce accidents and make driving safer for everyone.

2. Create Jobs for Veterans: The grants will help veterans, members of the National Guard, reservists, and their families get training to become truck drivers. This will help them find good jobs after serving in the military.

3. Support Rural and Underserved Communities: The program also aims to help people from rural areas, refugee communities, and other underserved groups get the training they need to start careers in trucking.

FMCSA Deputy Administrator Vinn White said, “Our job is to keep roads safe and help truck drivers stay safe, too. We are proud to provide this funding and work with schools and programs to use it well. This will make it easier for new drivers to start and stay in the industry.”

Supporting Truck Driver Safety and CDL Training

The $3.5 million in grants is part of a bigger effort by the FMCSA to make sure truck drivers are well-trained and safe on the roads. More than half of the FMCSA’s yearly budget goes to states and local communities to support safety in the trucking industry. The FMCSA also provides money through other programs, such as the High Priority Grants Program and the Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation Grant. These programs work together to improve safety and reduce accidents on the roads.

A Big Boost for the Trucking Industry

This new federal funding is a big boost for the trucking industry. By focusing on safety and creating more job opportunities, especially for veterans and people in rural areas, these grants will help build a stronger and more diverse trucking workforce.

As the U.S. continues to deal with supply chain challenges, these efforts are crucial to making sure we have enough skilled truck drivers to keep things moving smoothly.

For more details about the FMCSA’s grant programs and to see a full list of this year’s grant recipients, visit the FMCSA website.