CVTA Statement on USDOT & FMCSA Press Conference on Truck Driver Training

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announces new developments in trucking safety and licensing.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs delivered a joint press conference to deliver an unmistakable message: the era of lax oversight in truck driver training is ending. Duffy noted that, “We are going to go after the CDL mills.”

FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs joins Secretary Duffy during the announcement on trucking safety and licensing.

Administrator Barrs reaffirmed that only legitimate, safety-minded training operations will have a place in the industry, stating that:

“We only want professional and safe drivers on our roadways . . and to do so they need to follow our standards. If you do not want to follow our standards, you need to stay out of the profession. If you are not following the rules, not doing things you’re supposed to be doing, we’re going to be sure that we put you out of business. We’re going to come after you.”

This renewed federal commitment to enforcement aligns closely with the Commercial Vehicle Training Association’s long-standing advocacy. Since February 2022, CVTA’s ELDT Task Force and the national membership have worked relentlessly to press FMCSA and state partners to crack down on fraudulent training providers, ensuring that every entity listed on the Training Provider Registry (TPR) is held accountable to federal Entry-Level Driver Training requirements.

CVTA’s members—representing the most reputable and safety-conscious training institutions in the country—have led the charge from the beginning, providing data, testimony, and recommendations to strengthen oversight and improve compliance.

CVTA Chairman Jeff Burkhardt

“Our members have continually been the leading voice for integrity and accountability in this industry,” said CVTA Chairman Jeff Burkhardt. “We’ve been pushing for real enforcement since day one, because only through proper oversight can we protect students, employers, and the motoring public from dishonest operators. We welcome the urgency at FMCSA and look forward to working to support our federal partners with actionable information from boots on the ground.”

As federal enforcement ramps up, CVTA applauds Secretary Duffy and Administrator Barrs for taking decisive action that mirrors what CVTA members have been demanding for over three years.

Legitimate schools that invest time, resources, and expertise in developing safe, professional drivers deserve an even playing field—and that starts with removing those who cheat the system. CVTA will continue working with FMCSA, state agencies, and industry partners to ensure that the Training Provider Registry reflects only credible, compliant institutions that uphold the integrity of the truck driver training profession.

Watch the Full Press Conference Here