Latest news with #CommercialDriver'sLicenses
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Trucking's historic slump: How overcapacity and undocumented drivers reshaped the industry
The trucking industry has faced its longest and deepest downturn in history, beginning in March 2022. This prolonged slump, known as the Great Freight Recession, has driven many trucking companies out of business. A sluggish goods economy contributed, but the primary cause is excess capacity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, high freight rates and government stimulus, coupled with cheap credit, spurred an influx of new trucking companies. Unfortunately, this overcorrection flooded the market with capacity, causing freight rates to collapse. To avoid bankruptcy, trucking firms slashed costs. The largest expense—driver wages—proved challenging to cut, as experienced, documented drivers resisted reductions. Many small firms turned to hiring drivers without work permits to reduce expenses. These workers often obtained Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) in the U.S. without passing a domestic CDL test. Some states accepted foreign CDLs without verifying the driver's experience or qualifications, meaning many never proved they could safely operate an 80,000-pound truck. Additionally, some drivers lacked proficiency in English, complicating communication and compliance. Trucking became a lifeline for many immigrants, offering steady work, decent pay, and a place to live, as most truckers reside in their vehicles. For many, it marked a significant improvement over poverty in their home countries. These undocumented workers often accepted lower wages than their American counterparts and endured poor working conditions and unsafe equipment. In 2016, Department of Transportation (DOT) officials were reportedly instructed to overlook drivers' CDL qualifications and work permits and to accommodate those who didn't speak English. As a result, drivers without proper documentation or permits could not be placed out of service, even if DOT officials knew they lacked credentials. This influx of unqualified and undocumented drivers sustained excess capacity, keeping trucking rates low and bankrupting compliant companies with qualified U.S. drivers. It also increased highway dangers, as evidenced by rising fatality rates involving heavy-duty trucks. The Trump Administration has issued new guidance to enforce stricter labor, CDL, and English proficiency standards for truck drivers. Drivers caught operating without proper documentation or adequate English comprehension now face being placed out of service and potential deportation. While I deeply empathize with immigrants' struggles, this situation poses significant safety and fairness issues for the trucking industry. I hope these measures help the industry recover and thrive once again. Read more about continued issues with the CDL system here. The post Trucking's historic slump: How overcapacity and undocumented drivers reshaped the industry appeared first on FreightWaves.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Yahoo
Former MSP trooper pleads guilty in false licensing case
BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP)– A former Massachusetts State Police trooper will plead guilty after being charged for his involvement in falsely approving Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL) for persons who failed the test. According to prosecutors, Calvin Butner, 64, of Halifax, MA, and five others were charged in a 74-count indictment in January 2024. Investigators say that between or about May 2019 and January 2023, Butner and three other members of the CDL Unit conspired to give preferential treatment to at least 17 CDL applicants by agreeing to give passing scores on their CDL tests regardless of whether or not they actually passed. Worcester medical company indicted for alleged MassHealth fraud, patient abuse A CDL is required to drive a commercial vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer, a box truck, or a school bus. Test requirements for CDLs are established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation but states administer CDL tests and issue the licenses. An applicant must prove they have detailed knowledge of commercial vehicles, perform certain maneuvers, and safely drive on public roadways, including a highway. Only drivers who have passed the test and thereby proved they are qualified to drive a commercial vehicle may be issued a CDL, because public safety is at issue. Test scores reported by members of MSP's CDL Unit are material to whether applicants meet federal requirements for, and therefore whether the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles may issue, CDLs. All CDL recipients identified as not qualified during the investigation were reported to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. Butner has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to falsify records, three counts of falsifying records and aiding and abetting, and five counts of making false statements. On March 21 a civilian co-defendant, Eric Mathison, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit extortion. The plea hearing is scheduled for April 7. Butner is facing possible prison sentences of 20 years for the conspiracy to falsify records charge and for each falsification charge, and $750,000 in fines. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Yahoo
Ex-Mass. state trooper agrees to plead guilty to falsifying records to pass CDL applicants, feds say
A former Massachusetts State Police trooper has agreed to plead guilty to falsifying records in a bribery scandal for allegedly giving commercial driver's licenses to unqualified applicants, the U.S. Attorney said Tuesday. Calvin Butner, 64, of Halifax, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to falsify records, three counts of falsifying records and aiding and abetting and five counts of making false statements, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said in a statement. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled Butner's plea hearing for April 7. In January 2024, Butner and five others, including two active Massachusetts State Police troopers at the time, were charged in a 74-count indictment in the alleged conspiracy, Foley said. They include Massachusetts State Police Sgt. Gary Cederquist, 58, of Stoughton, and Trooper Joel Rogers, 54, of Bridgewater, who were taken off the job following duty status hearings in 2024. Retired trooper Perry Mendes, 63, of Wareham, was also charged. Cederquist and Rogers were later arraigned in federal court in Boston, where they both pleaded not guilty to the charges. Cederquist retired from the department in 2024 after being suspended without pay. On March 21, Eric Mathison of Boston, a civilian, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit extortion. The men were charged in a federal indictment for allegedly giving commercial driver's licenses to unqualified applicants in exchange for personal kickbacks, including a $10,000 driveway makeover, free snowblowers, high-end bottled water, and cases of coffee and tea. 26 drivers stripped of CDLs amid investigation into state police bribery scandal, RMV says A Commercial Driver's License is required to drive a commercial vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer, a box truck, or a school bus, according to the charging document. Test requirements for Commercial Driver's Licenses are established by the federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. 'Golden handshakes': MSP troopers passed failed CDL applicants in exchange for kickbacks, feds say However, states administer Commercial Driver's License tests and issue the licenses. The CDL test is a demanding, in-person test, officials said. An applicant must prove they have detailed knowledge of commercial vehicles. They must also perform certain maneuvers and safely drive on public roadways, including a highway. Only drivers who have passed the test and have proved they are qualified to drive a commercial vehicle may be issued a Commercial Driver's License, because public safety is at issue, officials said. Test scores reported by members of the Massachusetts State Police CDL Unit are material to whether applicants meet federal requirements for, and therefore whether the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles may issue, CDLs. 25 Investigates attempted to confirm state trooper bribery probe 11 months ago According to the charging document, between in on or about May 2019 and January 2023, Butner and three other members of the CDL Unit conspired to give preferential treatment to at least 17 CDL applicants by agreeing to give passing scores on their CDL tests, regardless of whether or not they actually passed. The indictment showed that the troopers jokingly talked about 'golden handshakes' and 'golden treatments' in text messages, referring to giving guaranteed passes to CDL applicants, regardless of how they scored on the test. Foley released these texts that Butner allegedly sent to others: 'This guys a mess. . . . Lol. He owes u a prime rib 6inch.' 'Golden mess. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣' 'He's a mess Class A truck 2psi loss with truck running truck cut our again while timing 🤣🤣🤣🤣' 'Total mess this guy[.] i think some time[s] we should just do what we can but not golden. I'll tell you about it later.' In addition to the false records conspiracy, Butner has agreed to plead guilty to three counts of falsifying records, aiding and abetting, by giving passing scores to three applicants who failed the CDL test, and five counts of making false statements by giving passing scores to five applicants who did not take the test at all. Prosecutors said all CDL recipients identified as not qualified during the federal investigation have been reported to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. In response to the investigation, state police earlier said they've taken steps to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability on a department-wide scale. These include: Required use of body-worn cameras for all CDL exams. Increased frequency of unannounced visits by unit supervisors to examiners at training sites. Modernized unit record-keeping with required electronic documentation and the use of the Department's online case management system, allowing for enhanced accountability, accuracy, and supervision. For the charge of conspiracy to falsify records, Butner faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. For each charge of falsification of records, Butner faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. For each charge of false statements, Butner faces a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. 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Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nevada nonprofit aims to support women in trades
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — One local nonprofit is hoping to improve the number of women in the trade industry. According to the US Department of Commerce, women comprise less than five percent of the industry. Evelyn Pacheco, the first Black woman to obtain a plumber license in Nevada, said she knew she had to pave the way for future generations. 'We've helped over 50 women, we've gotten over five women in unions,' Pacheco said. 'We helped women get into [Commercial Driver's Licenses]. We have partnerships with NDOT, MGM, mining, and the city.' Those trades usually require apprentice training to become a journeyman. 'Nevada Women in Trades' helps to prepare women with the skills and networking opportunities necessary to break into the industries. 'It's not just sitting and doing the homework but going out in the community and seeing … what a plumber does … what sheet metal does,' Pacheco said. Aiming to break stereotypes, Pacheco said she hopes to expand 'Nevada Women in Trades' to working mothers, veterans, ex-offenders looking to make a positive change, and those who are simply looking at a different career path. 'We should be in the community empowering women [who] are underserved, underemployed, and even recidivism,' said Pacheco, adding that her nonprofit organization has received assistance from the community to expand resources. Students can take classes at the Historic Westside School Campus's Strong Future Technology Training Center. 'They can come here if they don't have access to a computer, or if they don't have access to technology, and we also just ask them if they need help with anything,' said Marcus Sherfield, program manager for the training center. 'It's just another layer … where we can make sure the students are feeling supported and motivated and empowered.' 'It's changed lots of lives,' Pacheco said. 'Someone comes up to you and says thank you for changing my life … it's very humbling.' 'Nevada Women in Trades' provides a six-week program, totaling 190 hours. Those interested can learn to become a carpenter, plumber, electrician, or pipefitter, among other jobs. More information on the program is available at the 'Nevada Women in Trades' website, via phone at 702-801-6591, or by email at info@ Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
