Trucking news and briefs for Monday, Jan. 10, 2022:
FMCSA takes first step to launch under-21 apprenticeship pilot program
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is looking to take the first step toward the Biden administration’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s under-21 apprenticeship pilot program mandate.
In a Federal Register notice published Friday, FMCSA is asking the White House Office of Management and Budget for “emergency approval” of an information collection request (ICR) regarding the program.
The details of the apprenticeship program in the ICR were outlined in the infrastructure package. It includes one probationary period of at least 120 hours of on-duty time, of which 80 hours must be driving time in a truck. This probationary period must include training in interstate, city, two-lane- rural, and evening driving; safety awareness; speed and space management; lane control; mirror scanning; right and left turns; and logging and complying with hours of service rules.
A second probationary period must include at least 280 hours of on-duty time with at least 160 hours of driving time. This period must include training in backing and maneuvering in close quarters; pre-trip inspections; fueling procedures; weighing loads, weight distribution and sliding tandems; coupling and uncoupling procedures; and trip planning, truck routes, map reading, navigation and permits.
After completion of the second probationary period the apprentice may begin operating CMVs in interstate commerce unaccompanied by an experienced driver.
Throughout the program, FMCSA will collect data regarding:
- The ability of technologies or training provided to apprentices as part of the pilot to improve safety
- An analysis of the safety record of participating apprentices as compared to other CMV drivers
- The number of drivers that stopped participating in the program before completion
- A comparison of safety records of drivers before, during and after each probationary period
- A comparison of each participating driver’s average on-duty time, driving time, and time spent away from home terminal before, during and after each probationary period
DOD HHG contract awarded to KBR-led joint venture
HomeSafe Alliance LLC, a KBR-led joint venture, has been awarded the global household goods contract by U.S. Transportation Command. The contract ceiling value is $20B with a potential nine-year term, including all options periods.
HomeSafe will be the exclusive household goods move management service provider for the U.S. Armed Forces, Department of Defense civilians and their families.
Under this contract, HomeSafe – a joint venture between KBR and Tier One Relocation – will modernize and infuse technology to improve the domestic and international relocation experience for all military personnel and their families, the companies said in a press release.
"We are honored to partner with the military community around the globe," said Alan Thompson, HomeSafe CEO. "Combining our HomeSafe Connect advanced digital solution and global program management expertise, we will dramatically improve the relocation experience for our service members, civilians and their families. Our solution will significantly expand and reward quality performance and is an important catalyst in the transformation of the military household goods moving industry."
