Fort Lupton, Colorado — The Commercial Vehicle Training Center abruptly closed its doors in August, leaving dozens of students, including Esteban Hernandez, without access to training or the opportunity to take their CDL exams. The school, located on a 4‑acre parcel in the city, had been operating with an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Truck drivers rely on state‑approved training centers to meet FMCSA regulations and earn the credentials that open doors to trucking companies hiring. When a facility that promised a complete program shuts down, the ripple effect hits not just the students but the entire supply chain of OTR truck drivers and owner‑operators who are already in short supply.
Hernandez enrolled on April 4, 2024, and paid a tuition fee that many classmates later revealed was several thousand dollars. When he arrived in August, the doors were locked and the building was empty. The students had receipts, proof of payment, and a sense that their future careers were in jeopardy. CBS News reported that the owner, Michael Euglow, said he would cover the cost of their CDL tests, yet many of the students, including Hernandez, felt they were not yet ready for the exam. Calls to the office went unanswered, and the students demanded refunds instead of a rushed test.
What This Means for Drivers
Without a completed training program, the students cannot sit for the CDL‑A exam, delaying their entry into truck driver jobs. Owner‑operators who had planned to start their own businesses now face a gap in licensing that could push their launch dates back months. Fleet managers seeking new OTR truck drivers may find a smaller pool of qualified applicants, complicating recruitment during a period when trucking companies hiring are already stretched thin. The uncertainty also raises safety concerns, as drivers who are not fully prepared could become hazards on the road.
Industry Reaction
While no formal statement has come from major carriers, the incident echoes a broader industry frustration with training reliability. The shortage of qualified CDL‑A drivers has spurred carriers to offer on‑the‑job training, yet the abrupt closure of a reputable center highlights the fragility of the pipeline. Advocacy groups for truckers have called for stricter oversight of training facilities to protect students and maintain the integrity of the profession.
Key Points
- Commercial Vehicle Training Center in Fort Lupton closed in August 2024.
- More than 20 students paid thousands of dollars for a program that never finished.
- Owner Michael Euglow promised to pay for CDL tests, but students seek refunds.
- The closure leaves students without the credentials needed to secure truck driver jobs.
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