These grants aim to improve road safety through additional training for CDL holders and the creation of new job opportunities
On August 26, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced the allocation of approximately $3.5 million for commercial driver training at 27 centers across the United States. The grants awarded by the USDOT range from $101,000 to $139,980 for 26 public centers and Nordic Enterprises in California, which leads the Western Pacific Truck School.
Funded by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration through the Commercial Vehicle Operator Training Grant Program, these investments are intended to meet the growing demand for truck drivers and better prepare for the future. These grants aim to improve road safety through additional training for CDL holders and the creation of new job opportunities.

Roadway Action Plan: strengthening the industry
According to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, this funding is crucial for the Roadway Action Plan, which seeks to strengthen supply chains and support workers who keep the economy moving. The main objectives of the Commercial Vehicle Operator Training Grant Program are:
- Increasing the number of CDL holders by providing better safety training for operators.
- Opening opportunities in the trucking industry for current or former U.S. military members.
- Offering these opportunities to members of rural communities, refugees, and underserved groups to train them for the industry.
Vinn White, Deputy Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), emphasized that the agency focuses on road and commercial driver safety. That is why the agency is proud to provide funding to facilitate entry and retention in the commercial vehicle industry. More than 50% of FMCSA’s annual budget is dedicated to promoting the safety of these vehicles in states and local communities.
In 2022, the USDOT launched the National Roadway Safety Strategy with the goal of significantly reducing injuries and deaths on the roads, aiming for zero deaths through prioritized actions related to people, roads, vehicles, speeds, and post-crash care.
The cost of obtaining a CDL ranges from $4,000 to $12,000, with training typically lasting 160 hours. The average salary for a truck driver in the U.S. is $101,256. These new investments aim to sustain the program and facilitate driver training to ensure road safety.

DOT Brings Freight Leaders Together to Reduce Cargo Delays
More than 54 million tons of goods move through the U.S. freight network every day. The DOT brought together over 100 industry leaders to reduce delays and logistics costs through its FLOW program

Pythons Spread to New Areas of Florida, Posing a Challenge for Trucking
The discovery of a new breeding population in Charlotte County, near I-75 and US-41, raises potential concerns for truck drivers, trailers, and logistics facilities across Florida. How these invasive snakes could hitch a ride in commercial vehicles.

Nevada’s Runaway Ramps Save Lives
Runaway ramps on highways help stop vehicles experiencing brake failure, saving lives on the road.

California Highway Patrol Inspections: What They Check on Commercial Trucks and How to Prepare
Learn what the California Highway Patrol checks on commercial trucks in California, including brakes, tires, documents, hours of service, and safety.

Indiana, the RV Capital of the World: The Business Behind America’s RV Industry
Indiana accounts for the vast majority of RV manufacturing in the United States. But behind the factories is a lesser-known business: delivering brand-new recreational vehicles to dealerships across the country. Who are the drivers making these trips, how does the delivery business work, and when is a commercial driver’s license (CDL) required?

Texas Warns of Flooded Roads as El Niño Approaches
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is warning drivers about hidden dangers beneath floodwaters, penalties for ignoring road closures, and precautions truckers should take ahead of a potentially wetter and stormier 2026–2027 winter.
