Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022:
Stevens Transport gets pre-CDL waiver
Stevens Transport (CCJ Top 250, No. 54) is receiving an exemption from the requirement that a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holder be accompanied by a CDL holder in the front seat while the CLP holder performs behind-the-wheel training on public roads or highways.
In a Federal Register notice published Wednesday, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said the exemption allows a CLP holder who has passed the skills test but not yet received the CDL document to drive a Stevens truck accompanied by a CDL holder who is not necessarily in the passenger seat, provided the driver has documentation of passing the skills test.
FMCSA noted that because the CLP holders in question have already passed their skills test and are eligible to obtain their CDL, they could already have their CDL if they had been trained in their state of domicile and be driving solo without any supervision.
Similar exemptions have been granted to other carriers in recent years, including CRST Expedited, C.R. England, New Prime, Werner Enterprises, and Wilson Logistics.
Real Women in Trucking seeks Queen of the Road entries
The Real Women In Trucking organization opened nominations for its sixth annual Queen of the Road recognition of women truck drivers. New additions to the awards program this year will recognize a trainer of the year and a top rookie driver.
Nominations may be made online.
Criteria for the Queen of the Road award include:
- Must be either a past or present commercial driver’s license holder
- Must have hands-on experience in the operation a tractor-trailer without assistance and the ability to deliver freight
- Must fit the R.E.A.L. criteria. R. Reaching Out E. Encouraging Others A. Achieving Personal Success L. Leadership The R.E.A.L. criteria are a demonstration of outreach, compassion and encouragement towards others. Leadership is exhibited through the sharing of personal success strategies that illustrate the tenacity it takes to become a professional commercial motor vehicle operator.
The organization said the "Trainer of the Year" is:
- A driver that has a minimum of three years experience, having driven in all climates and terrains
- Someone that cares about the student's success and is available even after they graduate training
- Is any woman trainer that is actively working with student drivers over the road, on a training range, or in a classroom setting
The "Rookie of the Year" is a driver that has more than six months but less than one year of driving accident free as a solo qualified driver who is committed to being a safe and successful on the road.
Nominees who meet the criteria must have a nomination biography submitted through this form before Jan. 13. Voting on nominees will take place between Jan. 20 and Feb. 24. All nominees receive a free RWIT lifetime membership and a limited-edition event t-shirt.
Women in Trucking seeks Driver of the Year nominations
The Women in Trucking Association is seeking nominations for its annual Driver of the Year award, sponsored by Walmart.
The fourth annual award recognizes exceptional female professional drivers who lead the industry in safety standards while actively working to enhance the public image of the trucking industry. The application is open to any female driver who has safely driven at least one million consecutive, accident-free miles. Nominees must demonstrate a positive contribution to the trucking industry and their community. Nominations are open to owner-operators and company drivers
Other requirements include:
- The driver must be nominated by the motor carrier by which she is currently leased or employed and must have three years of experience with that company
- A personal statement explaining in 250 words or less why they should be selected
- At least three letters of recommendation explaining in 250 words or less why the driver should be selected
The finalists and overall winner will be recognized at the 2023 Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky, on March 31. The winner will be chosen based on her safety record, positive community contributions, and impact on the public image of the trucking industry. She will receive a plaque, commemorative ring, and more.
