WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), an arm of the U.S. Department of Transportation, has announced grants totaling nearly $3.5 million. This funding, disbursed through the Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training (CMVOST) Grant Program, will be allocated to 27 colleges and commercial driver’s license (CDL) training programs.
The primary aim of these grants is to bolster roadway safety by enhancing the training of CDL holders and creating new career pathways within the commercial motor vehicle industry. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted the significance of these investments, noting their role in addressing the nation’s growing demand for skilled truck drivers and ensuring a resilient future for the industry.
“The Biden-Harris Administration’s investments in training and support for Commercial Driver’s License holders will help meet the nation’s growing demand for truck drivers and better prepare for the future,” said Buttigieg. “The funding… is an important part of this Administration’s Trucking Action Plan to strengthen America’s supply chains and support the workers who keep our economy moving.”
The CMVOST Grant Program is structured around three key objectives. Firstly, it seeks to increase the number of CDL holders with advanced safety training. Secondly, it provides career opportunities for current or former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including National Guard members, reservists, and their families, within the trucking and busing sectors. Lastly, the program aims to expand training opportunities for individuals from rural, refugee, and underserved communities.
Deputy Administrator Vinn White emphasized FMCSA’s commitment to safety, both on roadways and for commercial motor vehicle drivers. The agency dedicates over half of its annual budget to support state and local community efforts in promoting CMV safety. Beyond CMVOST, FMCSA funds other initiatives like the High Priority Grants Program and the Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation Grant, all contributing to the Department’s National Roadway Safety Strategy.
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