Multiple CDL Holders Decline

ATLANTA — Efforts to rein in one of the main abuses in the commercial driver licensing program have shown a measure of success, according to the author of a study.

Deborah Jaeger of TML Information Services said the CDL program has essentially eliminated the problem of truck drivers having multiple licenses. It was among the mixed news she gave members of the National Tank Truck Carriers at their annual meeting.

“We can say there currently is no evidence of a problem with multiple driver licenses. Statistically, it is not a problem,” said Jaeger, whose company conducted the study for the Federal Highway Administration.

“What we’ve heard from drivers is that it’s just not worth it to have multiple CDLs,” she said. “They believe there is a big CDL computer in the sky keeping an eye on them.”

If only that were the case, said Jaeger, who is vice president of government services for TML, a consulting firm in Forest Hills, N.Y.

Unfortunately, there are several flaws with the program, she said, noting 38 states do not use the federal CDL information system. The database provides access to driver license files in all 50 states to determine if a CDL applicant already has a valid automobile license in another state.

The failure of so many states to use the information makes it possible for a bad driver to remain on the road, Jaeger said.

For the full story, see the May 24 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.