OKLAHOMA CITY — On May 15, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced a period of public comment for a new, potential pilot program. This program would allow drivers ages 18-20 to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. Currently, 18-20-year-old drivers may only operate CMVs in intrastate commerce.
The Oklahoma Agricultural Cooperative Council (OACC) has submitted comments on the benefits of this potential program. “There is an abundant need for commercial motor vehicle drivers within both the cooperative and agricultural industries,” commented RJ Gray, OACC President and CEO. “OACC believes this pilot program is a chance to fill this need by affording young drivers more opportunities for driving positions and will benefit our member cooperatives.”
The FMCSA requested comments on the training, qualifications, driving limitations and vehicle safety systems that FMCSA should consider in developing options or approaches for a second pilot program for younger drivers. To read the Federal Register notice, including the list of comments submitted, click here.
Incorporated in 1973, the Oklahoma Agricultural Cooperative Council (OACC) is a member-supported organization advocating for agricultural cooperatives and their producer member-owners. With a mission to enhance the understanding of cooperatives and advance their development, OACC is driven by a commitment to provide educational resources for the betterment of member cooperatives. Through advocacy and governmental affairs OACC also serves as the voice of agricultural cooperatives both statewide and regionally. Visit okagcoop.com, facebook.com/okagcoop or twitter.com/okagcoop for more information.
–Oklahoma Agricultural Cooperative Council
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