The Department of Transportation Sean Duffy has launched a new campaign to make highways safer. This new initiative targets so-called “CDL mills” — commercial driver’s license schools accused of certifying unqualified drivers, many of whom lack English proficiency, basic operating skills, and proper citizenship documentation.
In regards to enforcement Duffy is looking to get shippers involved. This could put substantial penalties on shippers they fail to ensure that the trucks arriving at their docks have compliant drivers.
It will also make it more difficult for freight brokerages to distance themselves from verifying truck drivers’ qualifications when arranging freight pickups. Brokerages, typically focus their compliance efforts on motor carriers, treating truck drivers as interchangeable.
If new regulations impacting shippers are implemented, this will no longer be the case.
Enforcement will wreak havoc for carrier sales rep teams at freight brokerages, as they will be held accountable by their shipper customers for booking loads with unqualified drivers.