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6 • May 1-14, 2020 Nation THETRUCKER.COM FMCSA temporarily waives some restrictions on student drivers, licensing process; veteran drivers share concerns Courtesy: American Trucking Associations Chris Spear, president and CEO of the American Trucking Associations, has been appointed to the transportation portion of the White House’s Economic Revival Group. Industry leaders join White House economic group THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES WASHINGTON — President Donald J. Trump has announced a group of executives, economists, scholars and industry leaders who together will form various Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups. Among transportation leaders named to the group is American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear. This initiative is convening bipartisan groups of industry leaders from across all sectors of the U.S. economy. These groups will work with the White House to chart the path forward for the economy as it rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic. “I am honored to serve our President and the nation in this capacity, representing the trucking industry and joining four ATA member company CEOs, to bridge this crisis to a safe, speedy and full recovery,” said Spear. “Just as they have during the mitigation and response efforts, truckers will be at the forefront as we revive our economy’s engine and get our country moving again. No industry will be more vital, and we embrace the opportunity to play a leading role in this national effort.” The following trucking CEOs were also named to the administration’s transportation group: • Fred Smith, FedEx • David Abney, UPS • John Roberts III, J.B. Hunt • Darren Hawkins, YRC Worldwide Trucking is the central link in the United States’ supply chain, moving more than 70% of the nation’s freight tonnage. More than 80% of U.S. communities depend solely on trucking for delivery of their goods and commodities. In 2018, the trucking industry hauled 11.49 billion tons of the nation’s goods. Throughout the mitigation and response phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, truckers continue to serve on the front lines, delivering food, personal protective equipment, medicine and other essential supplies to meet the needs of medical professionals, first responders and the American people. 8 Linda Garner-Bunch lindag@thetrucker.com In response to the national emergency resulting from the global COVID-19 pandemic, in late March the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a three-month waiver that relaxes some regulations for commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders. The two-pronged waiver is designed to facilitate the flow of essential products and personnel during the national crisis declared by President Trump and will continue until June 30 or until the president revokes the declaration of national emergency related to COVID-19, whichever comes first. The waiver states that because of the closing of many state driver licensing agencies (SDLA) in accordance to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “some SDLAs may be unable to process and issue a commercial driver’s license (CDL) credential to eligible CLP holders who have passed the driving-skills test.” Because of the national emergency and the need for timely transport of essential supplies, equipment and personnel, the waiver provides relief from two regulations: First, the requirement that a CDL holder with the proper CDL class and endorsements be seated in the front seat while a CLP holder operates a commercial vehicle on public roads or highways is lifted; however, the CDL holder must be present in the vehicle, the waiver states. Second, states may now administer drivingskills testing to any nonresident CDL applicant regardless of where the applicant received training. Normal restrictions limit nonresident testing to applicants who received training in that state. “FMCSA finds that the granting of this waiver is in the public interest, given CDL and CLP holders’ critical role in delivering necessary property and passengers, including, but not limited to, shipments of essential supplies and persons to respond to the COVID-19 outbreaks,” the waiver states. “This waiver is in the public interest because it would allow drivers covered under this waiver to deliver essential supplies and persons across state lines to address the national emergency. This waiver will also reduce the administrative burden on CLP holders during this national emergency.” FMCSA says the waiver should not impact highway safety, citing the “limited scope of this waiver and the ample precautions that remain THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — In response to the COVID-19 crisis and shortage of safe truck-parking facilities, the Missouri State Highway Patrol has announced that truck parking, including overnight parking, will be permitted at the state’s scale houses during the national state of emergency declared by President Donald Trump. iStock Photo Under the FMCSA’s waiver, a CLP holder can operate the vehicle without a licensed CDL driver in the cab. The trainer must, however, be in the truck. in place.” The agency emphasizes that “this waiver does not alter any of the knowledge and skills testing requirements for a CDL, a CLP or a necessary endorsement.” Veteran OTR drivers and trainers expressed concern to The Trucker about the first prong of the waiver — allowing CLP holders to operate a commercial vehicle without a CDL holder in the passenger seat — but agree that ultimately the decision should be made on a case-by-case basis depending on the skill level of the trainee. “There’s a lot involved with driving a truck, like keeping your safe distance, making sure that the driver can make turns — that they get in the habit of swinging the truck wide — lane control and more. If at any time as a mentor, if I feel like the student is not ready to be up in the seat by himself, I will continue to stay up there,” said Orlando Roberts, a driver-trainer for Phoenix-based Swift Transportation. “I personally believe that giving the permit holders the ability to drive unsupervised is not necessarily a good thing,” said Jonathan Markum, a Tennessee-based OTR driver with more than 20 years of experience and two million safe miles with his current carrier. “I believe it actually could endanger lives, depending upon the individual’s skill level, and I have to specify, also depending upon the level of training they’re receiving from their trainer.” Markum added that he believes the purpose of the waiver is to help drivers move freight According to post on the agency’s Facebook page, truckers must make sure parking does not interfere with the operation of the facility: • No parking on ramps or turnaround areas; • No parking in the scale lanes or in front of the inspection buildings; • No parking in areas designated for staff or handicap parking; and faster by allowing students and trainers to operate like a team, allowing each other to rest while staying on the road. “It takes quite a bit of practice to sleep when the truck’s going down the road, hitting all the potholes and sways of the road, the wind, the noise, all the rest,” he said. “I don’t think [the students] will get proper sleep because it takes time to break into that rhythm; you can’t just start out and drive like a team operation overnight.” Roberts and Markum agree that allowing states to issue CDLs to nonresident CLP holders, regardless of where they obtained their training, could be a good way to expedite licensing and keep drivers on the road. “Because we do have an emergency situation right now with the coronavirus, it is going to help the industry move freight a lot faster, because of the simple fact that these people don’t have to go back to another state to get their license,” Roberts said. Markum said he believes that, regardless of what state issues a CDL license, the most important thing is to make sure that drivers are adequately trained before receiving their license. “First off, it’s the call of the company: Have they trained the trainer correctly? Second, it’s the call of the trainer,” Markum said. “And third, these new drivers should be truthful enough to say, ‘I’m ready’ or ‘I’m not ready.’” 8 Missouri allows truck parking at scale houses during pandemic • No parking in other areas identified by onsite Missouri State Highway Patrol personnel. In addition, drivers should take note of the following: • No littering of any kind. • No alcohol or drug consumption on state property. • Restroom facilities may not be available at some sites. 8
THETRUCKER.COM Nation May 1-14, 2020 • 7 TruckPark teams up with providers to offer telehealth, COVID-19 testing for truckers Linda Garner-Bunch lindag@thetrucker.com CHICAGO — As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread across the U.S. and many Americans work from home, it’s “business as usual” for the nation’s truck drivers, who work long hours to make sure medical supplies, food, fuel and other essentials arrive safely at their destinations. With most restaurants closing their dining rooms and going to drive-thru and take-out only service, some gas stations closing public restrooms and other amenities, and truckparking at a premium, these hardworking men and women are facing new challenges in their paths. One question we at The Trucker have heard from several OTR drivers is, “What happens to me if I get sick out here on the road? What if I get COVID-19? Where can I go?” To help drivers stay safe and healthy, TruckPark Inc. has partnered with Urgent- Care Travel and GenieMD to provide additional telehealth solutions to the transportation industry. Through the partnership, users of the TruckPark app (available from the Apple App Store and Google Play) will have access to health care providers and valuable medical resources. “This telehealth service is a safe way for a driver to get an initial evaluation (of COVID-19 symptoms) from their truck versus having people congregate at the clinic,” said Mitch Strobin, senior vice president of marketing and relationship management for UrgentCare Travel. “Many drivers on the road today suffer from a chronic condition, like diabetes or hypertension, that puts them more at risk for the coronavirus,” he continued. Dr. Soheil Saadat, founder and CEO of GenieMD, said the partnership is designed to help some of the nation’s most essential workers. “We are excited to partner with TruckPark to offer our service to hardworking drivers, who play a critical role in our transportation industry,” said Dr. Soheil Saadat, founder and CEO of GenieMD. “Most of these drivers spend many days at a time on the road and away from home, and often, when they need medical help, they are in unknown territories during off hours,” Saadat said. “By using our telemedicine platform, these hardworking individuals can have easy access to medical professionals who can provide expert care and, if necessary, prescribe medication to the nearest pharmacy.” Truckers experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 — including fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — can access the telehealth services from the TruckPark App’s Services page or from truckpark.com. Both UrgentCare Travel and GenieMD charge a fee (less than $50) for the service, payable by credit or debit card. “We are thankful for truck drivers all over and what they’re doing right now while we’re staying at home in our living rooms. They’re out there moving products safely,” said Anthony Petitte, CEO and co-founder of TruckPark Inc. To help drivers who need secure parking, whether overnight or for a medical quarantine, TruckPark is offering 25% off parking at its secure lots when drivers book through the TruckPark app and use the code “PARK25” at checkout. Individuals and businesses looking for a way to help truck drivers can reserve parking, either for a specific driver or any driver, still at a 25% discount, Petitte added. To reserve a spot for a trucker, email info@truck park.com or call 872-205-6024. “We will make a reservation for the driver, and the driver won’t have to pay anything for parking because of the generosity of another person,” Petitte said. “It’s a way to show appreciation for truckers with everything that’s going on right now. We call it ‘old-school trucking,’ when people come together and help each other out,” he continued. “Sometimes with technology, the drivers become just another number — but they’re not just another number; they’re people. And they’re people with big hearts, and we want to help them make a difference.” 8 Courtesy: UrgentCare Travel UrgentCare Travel operates walk-in clinics at Pilot travel stops throughout the U.S., including this one in Oklahoma City. Wondering if an OOIDA Membership is worth it? * This figure is for illustrative purposes only and is based on typical discounts off standard retail rates. Your specific savings may vary depending on program participation. Join OOIDA today and start enjoying the benefits of membership Representation • Information • Member Benefits 800-444-5791 • www.ooida.com
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