TRAA will be holding its annual Spring Board of Director's Meeting at the Western States Tow Expo in May.  Wednesday, May 28th the TRAA Committees will meet and the TRAA Board Meeting will follow on Thursday, May 29th at 9:00am.  The Tow Expo will open on Thursday, May 29th at 3:00 pm, so mark you calendars.

Board Meeting Agenda (PDF 29k)

FMCSA Proposes New CDL Requirements

Press Release (PDF 105k)

Commercial driver license applicants would be required to complete classroom and behind-the-wheel training from an accredited program, under a proposed new federal rule announced last Wednesday.

Beginning three years after the effective date of a final rule, CDL or upgraded CDL applicants would be required to provide a valid certificate from an accredited truck driving program, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced.

The rule would not affect current CDL holders.

The training curriculum includes CDL safety regulations, vehicle operation and safe operating practices, FMCSA said.

The educational institution must be accredited by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

For a "Class A" CDLs for tractor-trailer drivers, the rule would require a minimum of 76 hours of classroom instruction and 44 hours of behind-the-wheel training, for a total of 120 hours.

For "Class B" CDLs (large "box" or van trucks) and "Class C" CDLs (hazardous materials or certain passenger-carrying vehicles), the proposed rule would require a minimum of 58 hours of classroom instruction and 32 hours behind-the-wheel training, for a total of 90 hours. — L&MT

Texas Tow Act Clearly Explained

Report to Congress "Review of Federal and State Laws Regarding Vehicle Towing" Released

The long awaited report to congress follows, see PDF for details. (PDF 18k)