Entry Level Driver Training Support
ARA announced a new member service to help companies cut through the red tape, save money, and train more truck drivers. The ACE (Administrative Compliance Experts) Services Program guides individuals through the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in 2022. Serving as the FMCSA Registered Training Provider, ACE handles:
- FMCSA paperwork and filings
- FMCSA audits
- Training materials and training equipment guidance to meet FMCSA requirements.
National Propane Gas Association's (NPGA) ACE Services provides the resources needed so that the behind-the-wheel training can be done in-house with a qualified instructor. Since February 2022, they have had more than 2,300 users and trained more than 3,000 drivers.
"Obtaining CDL drivers in ag retail is becoming more challenging each year," said Blake Griffin with GreenPoint Ag in Stuttgart, Arkansas.
"Using the services available from our ARA membership offers a quick and affordable resource for training new drivers for our location. It allows existing employees to obtain a license without the challenges pertaining to work absence or the high schooling cost. We are able to keep the training internal and on our own schedule."
How to Sign Up
Participating ARA member companies may opt for the Basic package where they are responsible for recordkeeping, filing and audits, or can upgrade to a Deluxe package where NPGA handles those details.
Current pricing runs from $320 for CDL Basic to $620 for CDL Deluxe, and there is separate pricing for HAZMAT-only.
Webinar
ARA and ACE hosted a webinar Jan. 30 to share how your company can leverage this new member service to save up to $3,000 per driver and cut through the red tape.
| WEBINAR | SLIDES |
What They're Saying
"Our company has had many drivers go through the program . . . it is easy to follow with all the info provided by the NPGA.
To me, signing up for ELDT and utilizing the ACE program is a no-brainer. Simple, straight forward, and no record keeping for a very reasonable cost. Why would any company want to do it any other way?"
– Dale Beck
Energy Dept. Manager, CHS in Dakota Plains
Member, NPGA and ARA"When FMCSA adopted the ELDT requirement for new CDL Class A/B or HAZMAT amid the already-problematic truck driver shortage, ARA flagged a need for training resources to help its member companies safely and quickly train new drivers.
By partnering with the National Propane Gas Association's Administrative Compliance Experts (ACE), ARA is able to relieve some of the pressure on ag retailer members caused by the ongoing need for more truck drivers on the road."
– Richard Gupton
Senior VP, Public Policy & Counsel
ARA
Background Information
In February 2022, FMCSA adopted the ELDT requirement for new CDL Class A/B or HAZMAT endorsements. Several months before that, ARA's Richard Gupton had flagged the need for training resources related to this requirement for ARA member companies. ARA reached out to NPGA regarding a partnership on a training program.
NPGA has developed curriculum for online training and assessment as well as for the in-person behind-the-wheel (BTW) training, and they are a Registered Provider with FMCSA. Participating companies may opt for the Basic package where they are responsible for recordkeeping, filing and audits, or can upgrade to a Deluxe package where NPGA handles those details.
