CDL Mills Are Putting Unsafe Truck Drivers on America’s Roads

Fatal Truck Wrecks Are Up 40% Since 2014

Truck accidents remain a major problem nationwide. And a big reason is “CDL mills,” which churn out large numbers of unskilled truck drivers who don’t know how to safely operate a commercial truck, according to a recent FreightWaves article.

“At the heart of this crisis lies a regulatory change implemented in February 2022 that fundamentally altered how Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) are issued,” the FreightWaves article notes. “This change has enabled the proliferation of what industry experts call ‘CDL mills’.”

So, what exactly is a CDL mill? What are the requirements for obtaining a CDL license? How bad have truck wrecks become in recent years? And what can be done to reduce the number of commercial truck crashes?

Our Mobile, AL truck accident attorneys at Dean Waite & Associates, LLC explain what you need to know about this crisis.

What is a CDL mill?

The term “CDL mill” refers to 32,000 CDL training programs that exploit regulatory loopholes to rapidly process would-be drivers through minimal training. According to FreightWaves, before the creation of CDL mills, prospective truck drivers had to attend one of 2,100 state-licensed CDL schools that provided comprehensive truck driver training.

With the creation of CDL mills, many people seeking to obtain a CDL can meet the necessary training requirements by “receiving minimal training from one of the over 32,000 self-registered ‘training providers’ in the federal registry,” FreightWaves reports.

The result is that many unskilled truck drivers obtain their CDLs by attending one of these “CDL mills.” This is a disaster waiting to happen, since many of these drivers lack the knowledge and skills to handle dangerous situations on the road, especially when operating a tractor-trailer.

“The feds come in, they create this self-certification database, and you can register to be a CDL trainer at the federal level,” Steve Gold, founder of 160 Driving Academy, said in an interview with FreightWaves. “And employers, if you’re an employer, you’re exempt. You don’t have to be licensed in the state. So there’s 32,000 registered federal training providers who can provide training for CDLs.”

What are the requirements for a CDL?

There are many rules and regulations for obtaining a CDL, which is required to operate a commercial truck legally. The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 49, Subtitle B, Chapter III, Subchapter B, Part 383 includes many of the guidelines for obtaining and maintaining a CDL, including:

• Drivers must be 18 years old
• Must be proficient in English
• Medical test requirements for obtaining a CDL
• Drug test requirements for obtaining a CDL
• Must pass a three-part skill test, including a pre-trip inspection test, basic vehicle control test, and on-road driving test

How common are commercial truck accidents?

Commercial truck accidents have become even more common in recent years, and many trucking industry safety officials interviewed by FreightWaves blame CDL mills for the increase.

In 2023, there were 153,472 commercial truck accidents on highways nationwide, resulting in 5,472 fatalities, according to truck accident data collected by the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) and reported on by FreightWaves. Those figures are 40 percent higher compared to 2014.

Here’s another startling statistic – the odds of being killed by a commercial truck driver are 20 times higher than the odds of dying in a commercial airline accident, according to FreightWaves.

What are common causes of commercial truck accidents?

While truck wrecks can happen for many different reasons, certain causes remain extremely common. According to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) inspection data, the top violations in recent years include:

• Unqualified drivers – Inexperienced truck drivers, including drivers without a valid CDL, often cause serious truck accidents.
• Distracted driving – Many commercial truck drivers use cellphones or other electronic devices while driving, even though it’s against the law, often resulting in serious accidents.
• Hours-of-Service (HOS) violations – Federal truck laws limit how many hours a driver with a CDL can drive without taking a break. This is because many tired truck drivers cause collisions due to fatigue.
• Vehicle maintenance failures – Commercial trucks need to be properly maintained at all times. When they aren’t, truck accidents due to tire blowouts, defective brakes, and other mechanical issues are common.
• Unsecured or overloaded cargo – Shifting cargo, especially in 18-wheelers, can cause trucks to rollover or jackknife, resulting in serious accidents involving other vehicles on the road.

What can be done to prevent truck wrecks?

Trucking industry safety officials have recently raised alarms about CDL mills and other factors contributing to the increase in 18-wheeler accidents. According to FreightWaves, proposed changes that could potentially reduce the number of commercial truck accidents include:

• Strengthening the federal requirements for obtaining a CDL.
• Implementing steps to make sure commercial truck drivers are complying with CDL training standards.
• Increasing penalties for CDL violations.
• Working with states to make sure truck drivers meet all CDL requirements.

Why should I hire a Mobile, AL truck accident lawyer?

Commercial truck accidents are complicated legal cases, but you don't have to navigate these uncharted waters alone.

At Dean Waite & Associates, LLC, our experienced Alabama truck accident lawyers know how to investigate serious truck crashes, find the facts that matter, and build strong cases that hold negligent truckers and trucking companies accountable.

For instance, in one case, we secured a $4.75 million settlement for a Monroeville family after their loved one tragically died in a fatal truck wreck caused by a trucker who was impaired by illegal narcotics and had been awake for over 24 hours.

If you were injured or a loved one died in a truck accident, make the call that matters. Contact Dean Waite & Associates, LLC today to schedule a free case evaluation.

“Dean Waite’s office was very thorough and patient. They worked around the clock to ensure that I was satisfied with the outcome of my case, taking the time to explain every detail and every stage of the process. I highly recommend their services.” – M.W., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐