Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/129328
journal news Drivers, trainers testify on training rule I n March, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration set out during a listening session at the MidAmerica Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky., to answer this question: How much safer are drivers in the long run who have received formal training? FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro posed the question to drivers – who made up a majority of attendees – and representatives of both driver-training schools and fleets that do their own training. Per requirements of the MAP-21 highway funding law passed last summer, FMCSA must pass an entry-level driver training rule before the law's expiration. The listening session was part of an evidence-gathering phase. Lou Spoonhour, representing the Commercial Vehicle Training Association with 180 member training locations, argued for a performancebased standard for testing rather than a training-hours-based standard. "What should an entry-level driver be able to do?" Spoonhour asked. "We think the answer to this whole situation lies in performance." In the words of Lee Strebel, a 38-year over-the-road driver and occasional driver trainer, "Some guys learn a lot faster than others." Strebel – responding to a question from Larry Minor, FMCSA associate administrator for policy – said he thought 300 to 400 hours of intensive behind-the-wheel training would not be unreasonable for a requirement of entry-level drivers as long as it was true training. He echoed former company driver and owner-operator Jeana Hysell, now director of safety with the Safety Compliance Professionals consulting group. Hysell asked regulators to abolish the "team concept" of entry-level training practiced by some carriers and require a minimum of three to five years of professional driving experience for active truck drivers before they could take on a training role with a carrier. Howes CCJ_S13.pdf 1 2/8/13 An FMCSA subcommittee is finishing work on the rule. – Todd Dills 7:48 AM C M Y CM MY CY CMY K Release your rig's inner beast! Summer's here, and with it comes conditions capable of degrading the performance of even the most well-maintained rig. That's when it's time to harness the muscle of Howes Meaner Power Kleaner. Release the beast! ✓ More power with less emissions ✓ Cleans tanks, lines – the whole fuel system ✓ 5% improvement in fuel economy – Guaranteed ✓ Enhanced lubricity for less wear ✓ Particulate filter friendly and warranty safe ✓ Removes water harmlessly $10 Rebate! when you purchase 2 bottles of Howes Meaner Power Kleaner Qts. Download coupon at www.howeslube.com or call 1-800 GET HOWES (438-4693) Offer ends: 9/30/13, available while supplies last. Professional Grade Performance Since 1920 1-800 GET HOWES (438-4693) • www.howeslube.com