CVTA Board Convenes After Advocacy Day to Advance Training Priorities and Strengthen Engagement Around Enforcement

CVTA Board Members speak with FMCSA in Washington, D.C. during the March Board Meeting

CVTA members recently traveled to Washington, D.C. for the 2026 Advocacy Day event, uniting training providers nationwide to engage directly with federal policymakers on key issues affecting commercial driver training.

Following Advocacy Day, the CVTA Board of Directors met in Washington to continue engagement and align on next steps. The meeting brought together leaders from member schools and carriers to reinforce CVTA’s priorities and ensure ongoing alignment across the association.

The Board focused on key issues for the training community, emphasizing legislative engagement and workforce policy. Efforts continue to strengthen support for commercial driver training within broader workforce and transportation discussions.

Regulatory oversight was another key theme. Board members stressed the need for consistent enforcement and accountability across the training system, highlighting the importance of strong standards in promoting safety and professionalism.

CVTA Board Members (Left to Right): Stu Bowman, Andrew Poliakoff, Jerome Redmond, & Matt Carroll

Training standards and workforce access rounded out the discussion. The Board reaffirmed its commitment to policies that support high-quality training and create accessible pathways for individuals entering the profession, recognizing the critical role training providers play in preparing safe, qualified drivers.

These priorities were evident throughout the week on Capitol Hill. CVTA members met with congressional offices from both parties to discuss strengthening CDL standards, increasing enforcement awareness, and expanding access to workforce training.

Advocacy Day and the Board meeting together demonstrate a coordinated effort, with members engaging policymakers and leadership advancing clear, consistent industry priorities.

CVTA remains committed to strengthening CDL training standards, supporting effective enforcement, and expanding access to workforce training for the next generation of drivers.

Below: CVTA Chairman (left), Jeff Burkhardt, FMCSA's Patrick Nemons (right) and other CVTA Board members thank FMCSA for the lengthy conversation seeking greater and ongoing oversight of the ELDT Training Provider Registry.