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As an employer working in the field of transportation, it is important that you understand the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s rules and regulations. Failing to adhere to these could quickly lead to problems for your business and result in you having to pay fines and deal with other consequences. For example, if you are interested in participating in the Under 21 Military CDL Pilot program, it’s important to be sure you understand who can become a driver for you while still under the age of 21. This program is designed to help companies like yours hire experienced, disciplined drivers, but your company needs to meet the program requirements.
The Under 21 Military CDL Pilot program requires businesses to be engaged in interstate commerce trucking operations and to meet other eligibility requirements. You have to apply for this as well, so no business can just start hiring those under 21 without the correct approvals in place.
Some additional requirements you will need to have your company meet include:
- Agreeing to follow the pilot program procedures
- Monitoring and filing safety reports on the participants
- Maintaining good safety records
- Training drivers in FMCSA safety regulations
There are also additional eligibility requirements that carriers have to meet.
Participant requirements
If you do get approved to be a part of this program, remember that the people you hire have to meet their own requirements. There is a control group of drivers involved in the study as well. For example, those in the control group have to have a valid CDL license and be between the ages of 21 and 24, while those in the main pilot program group will be between the ages of 18 and 20.
What happens if you violate the requirements of this program?
Violations of a program like this could be serious because you’re violating regulations that are in place to keep younger drivers safe and to monitor if the program is successful among military workers. If you violate a program’s requirements, you could have your business removed from the program or face other penalties, so it’s smart to learn more about your legal rights and responsibilities before signing up.
Having a law firm with experience in transportation law could be vital to protecting your business. Contact us now!