CRST has just been granted an exemption by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) which will allow CDL permit holders to drive as a part of a traditional team.
The company filed their request for the exemption in January 2016.
The official FMCSA notice, which was published on Sept. 23, 2016, reads as follows:
“FMCSA announces its decision to grant CRST Expedited (CRST) an exemption from the regulation that requires a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holder to be accompanied by a commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder with the proper CDL class and endorsements, seated in the front seat of the vehicle while the CLP holder performs behind-the- wheel training on public roads or highways.”
Normally, a permit holder can only drive if accompanied by a licensed driver in the front seat. Under the exemption however, the licensed driver will no longer be required to be in the front seat when the permit holder is behind the wheel.
This will allow the pair to operate as a team, with the licensed driver able to rest in a truck’s sleeper berth. For CRST, this means their permit holders instantly become revenue producing drivers for the company.
CRST is not the first to be granted this exemption. C.R. England was granted the same exemption last year.
Do you think this is a good idea? Should this be the norm across the industry? Let us know your thoughts below.
