For Minnesota agencies, recruiting for positions that require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) has become more difficult due to two primary factors: widespread labor shortages at the national scale, and recent federal regulations that increase the scrutiny and stringency of CDL certification. Agencies need help to provide cost-effective resources for staff who want to obtain or renew CDL certification.
MnLTAP is exploring agency needs across the state to learn about training gaps and the most-needed training options and tools. In an LRRB-funded project, we are working local agencies and MnDOT to create guidance on Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requirements, steps, and what’s available. “We will build on that to determine what to develop to assist agencies in their training needs,” says Mindy Carlson, MnLTAP interim director. “Several agencies in our state have developed in-house training options. Our intent is to understand the needs and what makes sense for LTAP to develop and deliver.”