Within the new infrastructure law, the White House plans to implement several actions throughout the next 90 days ways to strengthen the trucking workforce and improve the supply chain long-term. The Biden Administration will be bringing together training providers, truck drivers, state partners, and others in the trucking industry to accelerate these efforts. The Biden-Harris Trucking Action Plan which was released last Thursday, is focusing on getting more drivers to obtain their CDLs easier, accelerating the expansion of registered apprenticeships, conduct veterans-focused outreach & recruitment, and launch joint DOT-DOL Driving Good Jobs initiative.
Obtaining CDLs Easier
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will be providing over $30 million in funding to help states expedite CDLs, according to the White House. Last Thursday, FMCSA sent all 50 states a toolkit which detailed the specific plan they will be taking to expedite licensing and will work hand-in-hand with states to address those challenges. Along with that, the FMCSA will begin closely tracking delays, identifying states that have challenges with issuing CDLs, and communicating with all 50 governors about ways they can reduce delays in issuing CDLs, according to the White House.
In 2021, more than 50,000 CDLs and Learners Permits were issued each month, which according to the White House (link: ), is 20% higher than the 2019 monthly average and 72% higher than the 2020 monthly average.
90-Day Challenge to Accelerate the Expansion of Registered Apprenticeships
This 90-day challenge is an effort to recruit employers who are interested in developing new Registered Apprenticeship programs as well as expanding existing programs to help create more well-trained drivers on the road. This apprenticeship is paid, on the job learning to help ensuring high-quality training for new drivers and helping employers develop and retain skilled and qualified workers.
Veterans-Focused Outreach and Recruitment
The DOL Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will be working with the Veterans Service Organizations, Military Service Organizations, unions, training providers, etc, to help service members and veterans attain good jobs in the trucking industry, the White House says.
Launching Joint DOL-DOT Driving Good Jobs Initiative
When your drivers feel supported that is great foundation for a strong, safe and stable workforce. According to the White House, the DOT and DOL announced last Thursday the launch of the joint Driving Good Jobs initiative, which will include:
- Hosting listening sessions that engage drivers, unions and worker centers, industry, and advocates
- Lifting up employers and best practices that support job quality and driver retention that can be scaled
- Working together to implement research and engagement efforts outlined in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
- Identifying new and safe strategies to recruit drivers
- And more!
The hope with this Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force is the actions and efforts in this plan will in turn help alleviate the supply chain congestion and constraints that currently been happening, as well as boosting a strong economic recovery. Reach out to a team member today if you would like to learn more!
Recent Comments