Washington, D.C. — Senator Kevin Cramer (R‑ND) and Senator Mike Rounds (R‑SD) unveiled the TRUCKS Act on September 10, 2026, a measure that would let states carve out exemptions from the federal Entry‑Level Driver Training (ELDT) rule for select drivers and small carriers.
The ELDT mandate, signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2012, finally took effect earlier this year after years of industry pushback. The rule forces every new CDL‑A driver to complete a federally approved training program before earning a commercial driver’s license. With the American Trucking Association warning of an 80,000‑driver shortfall, the added cost—anywhere from $450 to $8,500 per applicant—and a 20‑day classroom or behind‑the‑wheel stint have become flash points for owner‑operators and trucking companies hiring for OTR routes.
Under the proposed legislation, states could waive the ELDT requirement for drivers who already hold a CDL, for those employed by small carriers, or for agricultural and school‑district haulers. The bill, co‑sponsored by Senators John Hoeven (R‑ND) and Roger Marshall (R‑KS), cites the need to keep interstate commerce flowing amid recession‑era supply‑chain strains. Cramer warned that “the last thing the transportation industry needs is more overbearing, bureaucratic red tape placed on them by the Biden Administration,” while Rounds added that the bill “gives power back to the states so they can decide their own rules of the road.”
What This Means for Drivers
CDL‑A drivers who already possess a commercial license could avoid the mandatory 40‑hour classroom component, saving both time and tuition. Owner‑operators eyeing new contracts may now sidestep the $2,000‑plus ELDT expense that often deters entry into niche markets. Fleet managers of small trucking companies can recruit fresh talent without the looming 20‑day training window, accelerating hiring cycles for OTR truck driver positions. By allowing state‑level waivers, the bill could also reduce paperwork tied to FMCSA regulations, giving drivers more time behind the wheel and less time in compliance offices.
Industry Reaction
Industry groups have largely welcomed the move. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) called the bill “a pragmatic response to a crisis that threatens freight movement nationwide.” Small‑carrier advocates argue that the exemption could keep dozens of routes operational that might otherwise be abandoned due to staffing gaps. However, some safety watchdogs caution that any dilution of ELDT standards must be paired with rigorous state oversight to prevent a slip in driver competency.
Key Points
- TRUCKS Act permits state exemptions from ELDT for certain CDL‑A drivers and small carriers.
- ELDT training costs range from $450 to $8,500 and can take up to 20 days to complete.
- Senators Cramer, Rounds, Hoeven and Marshall sponsor the bill, citing a national driver shortage of roughly 80,000.
- Bill aims to reduce regulatory burden on trucking companies hiring for OTR routes and agricultural transport.
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