Insurance Perspective

Ben Cavallo

C&S Insurance Agency

New Commercial Drivers License Requirements Set by the FMCSA

With the growing need for more qualified drivers and concern for public safety on our highways, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has recently set updated minimum training standards for commercial driver’s license (CDL) applicants under 49 CFR Part 380, Subpart E. FMCSA will oversee the new regulations, designed to improve highway safety. Entry-level drivers of commercial motor vehicles must now complete minimum federal training requirements before being permitted to take certain CDL tests.

As of February 7, 2022, the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is requiring proof of completion of the new Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements. These requirements apply to individuals who are: • Aiming to obtain a commercial learner’s permit • Upgrading from a Class B to a Class A commercial driver’s license • Applying for their first passenger (P), school bus (S), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement

Individuals who were issued a CDL or an S, P, or H endorsement prior to February 7, 2022, are not required to complete training for the respective CDL or endorsement.

Here are some links to training programs:

FMSCA’s Training Provider Registry: https://tpr. fmcsa.dot.gov

Massachusetts Government Guide: https://www. mass.gov/guides/entry-level-driver-training-eldt

While having qualified drivers is an important part of loss control, with a properly designed risk management program, you can help to reduce your fleet’s exposures to loss and your overall cost of insurance. Ideally, in addition to driver qualification, such a program should encompass: operations, training and supervision, emergency equipment, vehicle maintenance and inspection; and accident reporting, recording, and analysis.

To have a positive impact on your fleet operations, your risk management program should include an inforce and effective written safety policy. It should be signed by both management and employees so as to confirm everyone has read and understands the guidelines in place.

Driver training should reenforce your written safety policy. Teach employees how to use emergency equipment, secure their cargo, practice proper delivery techniques, inspect their vehicles before and after operation, and take the proper steps if involved in an accident. All vehicles should be properly continued on page 37

Insurance Perspective continued from page 35 stocked with emergency equipment, including: first aid kit, flares and flashers, jumper cables, flashlight, snow removal tools, and fire extinguisher. Increasingly, companies are using technology to help with loss control. Telematics software that monitors speed, hard breaking, and distracted driving is readily available, as well as dual facing dash cameras that monitor distracted and drowsy drivers.

As insurance agents, our job is to reduce your overall risk profile and minimize the cost of your program. The fastest way to reduce risk and limit cost is to implement a thorough loss control program outlined in this article. n

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