Federal regulators have granted an exemption of one of its regulations to a major carrier.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Tuesday, July 30, granted Covenant Logistics an exemption from the requirement for a holder of a commercial learner's permit while driving be accompanied by a CDL holder seated in the front seat of the truck.
The FMCSA said the exemption allows a CLP holder, who has passed the skills test but not yet received their CDL document, to drive a Covenant Logistics' commercial motor vehicle while accompanied by a CDL holder who is not in the passenger seat, provided the driver has documentation of passing the skills test.
FMCSA in granting the exemption said it analyzed Covenant's application and public comments and determined that the exemption, "subject to the terms and conditions imposed, will maintain a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved absent such exemption."
FMCSA sought comments on the exemption request. In its posting in the Federal Register, FMCSA said it received a total of 27 comments; two comments were in favor of granting the exemption and the remaining 25 comments opposed granting the exemption. The 25 opposing comments included: a submission by the Owner-Operator Independent Driver’s Association (OOIDA): joint comments filed by the Truck Safety Coalition (TSC), Citizens for Reliable and Safe Highways, and Parents Against Tired Truckers; and comments from individuals.
The exemption applies to Covenant Transport and Landair Transport (together known as Covenant Logistics) and expires July 30, 2026.
