CRST Expedited (No. 19 on the Commercial Carrier Journal Top 250) has applied for an exemption from federal rules requiring a CDL holder to be seated in the front seat of the truck while a commercial learner’s permit holder operates the truck.
The exemption would allow learner’s permit holders who have passed the CDL skills test to drive a truck without a CDL holder in the front seat. This is the same exemption C.R. England was granted in June by FMCSA.
In its request, CRST said, “The CDL holder would remain in the CMV at all times while the CLP holder is driving, but not necessarily in the passenger seat.” The company added that the exemption would “promote greater productivity and help individuals who have passed the CDL skills test return to actively earning a living faster.”
CRST also applied for an exemption in August that would allow some CRST drivers to use split sleeper berth time to satisfy off-duty requirements. FMCSA has not yet announced a decision in that exemption request.
FMCSA is seeking comment on CRST’s exemption request, which can be made at www.regulations.gov by searching Docket No. FMCSA-2015-0480 after the request published in the Federal Register. It’s schedule to be published Tuesday, Jan. 5.
CRST is located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
