CVTA Chairman Featured in Truck News

Major carriers report that few applicants are adequately prepared to operate safely, reinforcing CVTA’s view that training quality is essential. Pitt Ohio notes that out of 7,000 annual applicants for driving positions, only 200 are hired. This three-percent acceptance rate reflects insufficient preparation among many newly licensed drivers, not a lack of interest in trucking careers.

CVTA Chairman Jeff Burkhardt has consistently stated that inconsistent enforcement and the rise of low-quality training programs drive this outcome. While the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rule set a national baseline in 2022, it did not specify minimum training hours or detailed requirements for behind-the-wheel instruction. As a result, some CDL schools prioritize speed and test performance over skill development, shifting the burden of remedial instruction and extended onboarding to motor carriers.

Burkhardt has emphasized that reputable training providers support the Department of Transportation’s recent enforcement actions. “The quality schools welcome the enforcement activities. It’s enforcing what’s currently on the books and getting rid of the bad actors,” he said. CVTA-member schools invest in experienced instructors, substantial road time, professionalism, and situational judgment, producing drivers who are not only licensed but also employer-ready. For prospective drivers, it is clear: holding a CDL does not guarantee competence.

As enforcement increases, especially regarding requirements such as English language proficiency, the importance of high-quality training becomes even more apparent. CVTA will continue to advocate for consistent ELDT enforcement and recognition of schools that meet these standards, as maintaining training quality improves safety and strengthens the industr