The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) new Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations went into effect on February 7, 2022, establishing a single national standard for obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL). The regulations set a baseline for training requirements for drivers seeking to:

  • obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time;
  • upgrade an existing CDL from Class B to Class A; or
  • obtain new endorsements for their CDL covering hazmat, passenger, or school bus vehicles.

Current CDL holders are not affected by the new rules unless they seek upgrades or additional endorsements.

MFA Oil has put together a certified ELDT program for the company’s employees with assistance from the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) and the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC). The company’s in-house ELDT program curriculum includes theory training modules and behind-the-wheel instruction by registered trainers at approved facilities.

The 31 theory training modules are now available online on MFA Oil PLUS. Once an employee has completed all of the online educational units, they must pass an exam with at least 80 percent of their answers being correct.

MFA Oil currently has four registered trainers: Tom Procter, director of safety and maintenance; David Grothoff, BPLP safety manager; Kenny Rawlings, senior BPLP safety specialist; and Jarrett Schultz, senior BPLP fleet safety specialist. The company plans to register additional trainers soon.

Hands-on driving instruction will be held at the company’s two registered facilities: the bulk plant in Rogersville, Mo., and the Business Support Campus in Moberly, Mo.

The first in-person training sessions will begin the week of March 14 in Moberly and continue there the second week of each month. Dates for the monthly behind-the-wheel instruction in Rogersville are still under consideration. The company is in the process of identifying a third facility for training in southeast Missouri.

A national standardization for ELDT has been in the works for several years. Procter says running an internal ELDT program will save the company money and provide employees an opportunity to test with the equipment they use on an everyday basis.

“This is a great opportunity for us to better organize our driver teaching programs and ensure the resources our employees need to train are ready and available at the appropriate facilities,” Procter says. “Training in the trucks they will drive and in the environment where they will work is beneficial to our employees and provides valuable hands-on experience.”

Approximately 40 MFA Oil employees obtained new CDLs in the past year.