According to Overdrive Magazine, CRST Expedited has asked the FMCSA to allow non-licensed drivers to operate a commercial semi truck by themselves.
The exemption would allow student drivers with only a commercial learners permit to operate a big rig without a trainer in the front seat.
Currently, a licensed CDL holder must be present in the front seat for a student driver to operate a big rig. With the exemption, the licensed driver would be able to take their federally mandated breaks in the truck’s sleeper berth while the permit holder drives unsupervised.
This essentially turns a permit holder and trainee situation, into a team driving situation.
The company says it would “promote greater productivity and help individuals who have passed the CDL skills test return to actively earning a living faster.”
CRST is not the first company to ask for this exemption. C.R. England was granted the same exemption back in June of 2015.
On a side note, it seems rather counter-productive that the FMCSA would introduce new regulations in the name of safety, but allow the largest carriers (with the most inexperienced drivers) to bypass the current ones.
Do you think this is a good or bad idea? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.