The Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) recently petitioned the FMCSA for exemption from specific CDL (commercial driver license) regulations to open up more trucking opportunities for veterans.
ODPS is specifically asking for exemption from the requirements that applicants certify that they were employed in a military capacity to operate a truck within the past year and that they operated the truck for at least two years immediately following release from the military. Instead, ODPS is proposing that the applicant be required to have operated a commercial motor vehicle for at least two years during any point in his or her military career.
The Federal Register document states, โThe Ohio DPS contends that the goal of its request is to promote the opportunities for experienced CMV operators who have served in the military by reducing the regulatory burden of obtaining a CDL. By doing so, it is the hope that an increase in the population of available CDL holders will benefit the Ohio transportation industry and create better civilian employment opportunities for Ohio veterans and service members.โ
The Federal Motor Carrier and Safety Administration (FMCSA) is accepting comments on the Ohio Department of Public Safetyโs exemption request and on whether the request should be applicable to all state driverโs licensing agencies through May 20.