FMCSA Seeks to Expand Military CMV Operator Pilot Program

October 9 the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a request for comments on a proposal to broaden its pilot program that allows under-21 year-olds with military driving experience to operate CMV’s in interstate commerce. The proposal would expand the military occupational specialties (MOS) eligible to participate in the program beyond the current scope. FMCSA believes that expanding MOS eligibility will provide additional service members with the opportunity to transition to commercial driving jobs.

One of the program’s critiques from stakeholders has been the lack of participation due to the many factors that limit eligibility to a small potential pool of participants.

FMCSA’s action to update its existing under-21 CMV operator pilot program represents the agency’s desire to help address the U.S. driver shortage, along with other initiatives such as the possible new pilot program to allow other under-21 drivers to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.