The proposed rule states in part "The educational institution must be accredited by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation."
This would be a good thing if FMCSA had done their research! The US Department of Education does not accredit!
They authorize. Accreditation firms accredit. If you look at the US Dept. of Ed. site you'll find that there are many laws that prohibit any government office from accreditation. Furthermore a school must be accredited by an approved accrediting
firm before the US Dept. of Ed. will authorize it.
It can take up to two years to become accredited. My school began the process in June 2007. If we complete all the required applications, present a two year audit by a CPA who is licensed to do a school audit (that audit can cost up to $10,000.),
pay the second application fee of $4,800.00, (you have to apply for an application and we have received it) complete that application to the satisfaction of the accrediting firm you are on your way. Then begins the work of hosting a visiting team of
2 to 4 officials who will evaluate your every move for about 3 days. You must attend various workshops and receive a passing grade. The workshops occur about 3 times a year depending on the accrediting firm's schedule.
I have given a brief overview of what it will take to train new drivers. Now you may think that is easy and it really is not hard. Just takes money and knowledge of how to present the information the accrediting firm.
Our accrediting firm is The Council on Occupational Education. who is approved by the Council of Southern Schools and Colleges, who is approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
Now how many CDL Mills do you think will do what it takes to meet these requirements? I have my thoughts as to what
these mills will move into but I'll voice those thoughts later just in case they haven't thought of it yet.
One thing I think this will greatly effect is "Contract Training". Yes the carrier schools will have to go through the same process.
And "Carrier Schools" will become accredited. They would lose to much money if they don't.
As I said this is a good thing. It will weed out a lot of bad schools if the proposal is not fragmented to the point of to little.
Already the proposed rule is deficient in road training. They kind of have the hours backwards. Should be 45 hours in the class room and 140 on the backing range and road. No major carrier will hire a student from a school with 120 hours!
I'll shut up now cause this is way to long for one read!
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what can't buy 'em anymore ???
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