As Congress and the FMCSA weigh programs to put young drivers on the road, now is the perfect time to consider how the trucking industry can use intrinsic rewards and technology to attract recruits.

For interstate carriers, allowing younger drivers to earn a CDL would vastly widen the pool of drivers and limit the loss of candidates to other careers. And that’s why some legislators are seeking a solution.

While the electronic logging device mandate has been dominating the headlines, a lesser-known provision enacted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will require that U.S.-based commercial driver license training facilities prove they meet facility, staff and curriculum requirements.