By Alan Wooten | The Center Square
(The Center Square) – Compliance and preparation for federal government audits of commercial driving license training providers is a business with a number of avenues to help across America.
The U.S. Department of Transportation recently shared a database of 3,015 training providers for commercial driver’s licenses removed from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Training Provider Registry. Another 4,554 were put on notice for potential noncompliance.
For the latter, the Transportation Department on Dec. 1 said providers receiving a notice of proposed removal have 30 days to respond and provide evidence in order to avoid removal.
Administrator Derek Barrs of the motor carrier safety administration and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy say those removed are cited for “falsifying or manipulating training data; neglecting to meet required curriculum standards, facility conditions or instructor qualifications; and failing to maintain accurate, complete documentation or refusing to provide records during federal audits or investigations.”
In Neenah, Wis., J.J. Keller & Associates says it is one of the firms able to help the providers through a free Entry-Level Driver Training Audit Checklist and its Safe & Smart ELDT Trainer Certification Program. The firm on Wednesday made it available free; the company has additional services for which it can be hired.
“The checklist covers everything from documentation to training materials, instructor qualifications, student and vehicle records, training assessments and record retention,” said Dustin Kufahl, vice president of consulting and training services.
The company bills itself as supplying “expert insights to help create safe work environments and simplify complex government regulations.” It serves the transportation industry in multiple ways, including risk management and regulatory compliance.
Trucksafe Consulting, Compliance Navigation Specialists, Transportation Compliance Services USA, DOT Compliance Group and National Transportation Consultants are others known for audit preparation and consulting. The software and tech providers include Foley, Samsara, Verizon Connect, CDL Suite, SafetyCulture and DISA Global Solutions.
The auditing process has been ongoing throughout the second term of Republican President Donald Trump. Increased scrutiny of CDL licensure programs happened after triple-fatal crashes 66 days apart involving 18-wheelers in Florida and California.