Oak Harbor Freight Lines (CCJ Top 250, No. 119) is petitioning the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for an exemption from the qualification requirements pertaining to entry-level driver training (ELDT) theory instructors.
The nearly 1,000-driver fleet is asking FMCSA to allow its safety supervisor, Jeff McLaughlin, to be able to conduct classroom (theory) training for entry-level drivers who intend to operate commercial motor vehicles used to transport hazardous materials.
The company said the waiver is warranted due to McLaughlin’s experience and expertise related to hazmat transportation. Oak Harbor also stated that the road portion of the training would be completed by behind-the-wheel instructors that meet the ELDT rule’s requirements.
The ELDT rule, which takes effect Feb. 7, 2022, requires that entry-level drivers only be trained by qualified providers who are listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry.
FMCSA will accept comments on Oak Harbor’s request beginning Wednesday, Sept. 8, for 30 days. Comments can be made at www.regulations.gov by searching Docket No. FMCSA-2021-0140.
