Is There a Next Generation of Truckers? Data Reveals Grim Outlook
FMCSA forced to rethink strategy as Under-21 driver initiative falls short
Turns out not that many teenagers want to drive an 80,000-pound truck in interstate commerce, after all.
A much-ballyhooed two-year-old pilot program within the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has proven to be a bust with the category of worker who is most important—those under 21.
The FMSCA says only 113 motor carriers have applied for its under-21 truck driver apprenticeship program since July 2022. That is a very disappointing turnout for an initiative that the government had expected to recruit up to 1,000 carriers and 3,000 drivers.
As of February 2024, FMCSA has rejected 34%—or 38—of the 113 applications received. The agency has fully approved only 30%—or 34—of the applicants.
Under-21 drivers have become a hot-button issue among many if not most, fleet managers. They feared entrusting an 80,000-pound vehicle to an 18-year-old was not a wise choice. So did various trucking fleet insurers, who reacted with horror (and higher premiums) to those fleets who did dabble in the pilot program.
The dismal turnout has caused ripples within FMCSA. It is seeking emergency approval from the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to amend the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Program (SDAP) to keep the agency compliant with the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 (otherwise known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act), passed this year.
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