What the Enforcement Action Means

According to federal briefings, enforcement efforts are focused on removing training providers that fail to meet Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) standards, falsify records, or improperly certify students through the Training Provider Registry .

This is not about politics. It is about safety, credibility, and raising the standard across the industry. These actions aim to restore integrity to the professional driver training system.

The Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) , the leading national association representing CDL training providers, has been vocal in its support of meaningful enforcement.

Sean A. Williams, President and CEO of Southwest Truck Driver Training and a member of the CVTA Board of Directors, stated:

"Without strong and consistent enforcement that puts all CDL training providers on equal footing regarding safe standards of training, our roads are not safe. My family is out there on the roads along with everyone else. If we do not get these bad actors out of the professional driver training business, these horrible accidents will continue. Each and every one of the drivers that has caused the accidents that have become national news, should never have been on the road. We should all encourage the FMCSA, under the strong leadership of Administrator Barrs and Secretary Duffy, to modify the Training Provider Registry to require applicants to submit their state licensure instead of 'self-certifying' that they meet the standards. This basic step would eliminate many of the bad actors before they get a chance to put unsafe drivers on the road."

– Sean A. Williams, President / CEO, Southwest Truck Driver Training, Inc. and CVTA Board of Directors

The Real Impact of “CDL Mills”

When non-compliant schools cut corners, the consequences ripple outward:

• Students may pay for training that does not properly prepare them for the CDL exam or real-world driving.
• Carriers may unknowingly hire underprepared drivers.
• Communities face increased safety risks on public roads.

Samantha Greenberg, Owner of New England Tractor Trailer Training School and CVTA Vice Chair, emphasized the importance of this moment:

"The removal of non-compliant 'CDL mills' is an important step forward for our industry. Not all training providers operate at the same standard, and that distinction matters deeply for students, carriers, and the motoring public. Responsible schools have invested heavily in compliance, curriculum, and instructor development. Accountability ensures that those commitments are recognized and that the bar continues to rise. I welcome continued enforcement that removes bad actors and elevates schools that are committed to doing this work the right way."

– Samantha Greenberg, Owner, New England Tractor Trailer Training School and CVTA Vice Chair

Responsible schools have invested years building structured curriculum, maintaining instructor qualifications, and ensuring full ELDT compliance. Enforcement protects those investments and ensures that schools committed to quality are not forced to compete with programs that bypass standards.

Professional carriers also rely on strong training standards to ensure the drivers entering the workforce are prepared for the demands of the job. Responsible training providers and regulators have long recognized that high standards in driver training protect everyone on the road.

Gregory Hamm, Vice President of Field and Government Recruiting at Werner Enterprises, emphasized how critical training accountability is for the industry:

"Professional truck drivers operate the largest and most demanding vehicles on our highways. The standards governing how those drivers are trained must be clear, enforceable, and consistently applied. When non-compliant training providers are removed from the system, it protects students, supports responsible schools, and strengthens safety for everyone sharing the road."

– Gregory Hamm, Vice President - Field and Government Recruiting, Werner Enterprises

C1’s Longstanding Commitment to Industry Leadership

C1 Truck Driver Training has operated for decades with a commitment to compliance, safety, and measurable outcomes.

Our leadership team has deep roots within the Commercial Vehicle Training Association. Through committee participation, Board involvement, and national advocacy efforts, we have actively contributed to advancing professional driver training standards across the country. Our involvement is not symbolic. It reflects a long-term investment in shaping policy conversations, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and ensuring the Training Provider Registry works as intended.

For those exploring training options, C1 provides:

• Customized training solutions for fleets and workforce development
• Structured CDL training programs
• Federal-compliant ELDT theory training
• Clear guidance through the admissions process
• Multiple training locations across key regions

"CVTA is grateful to have C1 Truck Driver Training as a member and for their dedication to offering high quality training to the next generation of commercial drivers. As participants in CVTA committees, Board membership, and critical events like CVTA’s Advocacy Day at the U.S. Capitol, they shine as an organization that benefits students and safety alike, while dedicating their time and energy to advance the broader policy goals of the CVTA training community."

– Andrew Poliakoff, CVTA Executive Director

Why This Matters for Students

For prospective drivers, this enforcement action reinforces an important truth: Not all CDL programs are built the same.

When choosing a CDL school, students should look for:

• Verified ELDT compliance
• Structured behind-the-wheel training
• Experienced instructors
• Transparent partnerships with carriers
• Established industry involvement

C1 has consistently met and exceeded federal standards. Our programs are structured, documented, and aligned with FMCSA requirements. We believe students deserve a program built on accountability, not shortcuts.

A Stronger Industry Starts with Strong Standards

The trucking industry plays a critical role in America’s supply chain. Trucking isn’t a “nice-to-have” part of the economy, it’s the backbone of how goods move.

A Congressional Research Service report notes that by weight, roughly 65% of U.S. freight moves by truck. The quality of driver training directly impacts economic continuity and public safety.

Stronger enforcement removes bad actors. Stronger leadership builds long-term trust.

At C1, we are proud to stand alongside CVTA and responsible training providers nationwide who are committed to doing this work the right way. We welcome continued efforts that strengthen compliance, elevate professional standards, and protect the integrity of CDL training.

Accountability is not something we react to. It is something we have built our organization on for decades.