ARTICLE - Q1 2022

"ELDT Mandate 2022"
by Dan Laurencelle, Arctic Glacier, Inc.

As we navigate through challenges for driver talent, recruitment and retention, new FMCSA ruling may provide another layer of difficulties in hiring qualified CDL drivers.  With 2022 fast approaching, and if the struggles that we all faced in 2021 weren’t enough, we will now need to find creative ways to attract potential drivers to our companies.  Most every ice company has had success in the past helping a nonCDL driver acquire their CDL license and becoming a successful part of their business (present company included).  There may be some approaches to consider for potential driver candidates within your organizations in the future.  With the new regulations in place, you may want to consider certifying your lead driver, which also becomes more difficult with the new regulation but not impossible.  Another option that may be worth considering is a scholarship program that your company can fund by setting a percentage of your potential price increases for the season.  The cost in the U.S. for these schools range from $3,000 to $10,000.  Please be sure to check in your area as there may be less expensive options close to your plants.  If your organization chooses to fund such a program you may also want to consider having a contract in place to ensure the driver you trained does not leave your employment as soon as they obtain their CDL.

The ELDT Mandate is a set of new minimum requirements for entry-level driver training set by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). With these higher standards, all entry-level drivers will be fully trained to federal standards before taking to the roads. This new Mandate takes effect February 7, 2022.

More specifically, the entry-level driver training mandate establishes minimum training standards for drivers:

• Applying for their CDL for the 1st time
• Upgrading from NON-CDL to B or A
• Upgrading B to A

As of February 7, 2022, prior to taking the skills test for a Class A or B CDL, an entry-level driver must successfully complete a prescribed program of theory/knowledge and behind-the-wheel training that will cover approximately 30 subjects which the student must show proficiency in and score at least 80% on assessment. This must be provided by a certified CDL ELDT school-provider/trainer on FMCSA’s TPR (Training Provider Registry).

Theory Instruction will have 5 areas:

• Basic Operation
• Safe Operating Procedures
• Advanced Operating Practices
• Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions
• Non-Driving Activities

Click on link for more details on the FMSCA Curriculum: (https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/content/Resources/ELDTCurriculum-Summary.pdf) 

How does this affect my Ice Business?
You will no longer be able to utilize your lead designates to train drivers in upgrading to a CDL license post February 7, 2022. Drivers who obtain CDL A or B permits after February 7, 2022 MUST receive all their training from a TPR certified CDL ELDT school-provider/trainer.

Who is Exempt from ELDT?

• Any individual that holds a Class A or Class B prior to February 7, 2022
• Any individual that has a valid CLP (Commercial Learners Permit) issued prior to February 7, 2022, AND obtains the CDL before the CLP expires.

Although this program seems like a lot of extra work for businesses, the end goal of the program is to make the roads a safer place for you, me, and all of our families.  In the end we hope to have safer roads and get everyone home safe from long summer days on the road!

For more information on becoming FMCSA TPR certified go to: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/commercial-drivers-license/eldt/ss380703-requirements-listing-trainingprovider-registry-tpr

SOURCES: FMCSA, CDS CDL TRAINING, JJ KELLER