Learning Curve Vol 11, No 4 Sept 2023

NAPFTDS Members:

Last week, FMCSA announced critical ELDT enforcement updates to CVTA's Board of Directors at the annual Board Retreat in Washington, D.C., which was also attended by Martin Garsee, Executive Director.

Patrick Nemons, Director of FMCSA's Office of Safety Programs, described new policies to remove bad actors, improve ELDT compliance and increase TPR transparency.

Nemons' announcement and notes from his discussion with CVTA's Board of Directors is available here.

Lorie Latigo, President, NAPFTDS

Hello from Texas!

It’s been extra hot here this year. I hope the "extra" in your life this summer was the opportunity to walk away from your obligations, rest, relax, and recharge!

As we move into Fall, my college celebrates the 25th anniversary of our training program. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to help start it all those years ago. As I look back on the growth, changes, and success, I’m thankful to still love what I do and the chance we have every day to make a positive difference in the lives and future of our students, their families, and the industry I love.

As you know, big news from Federal Motor Carrier last week regarding the Training Provider Registry and their work to validate training providers. This initiative promises to bring about positive changes by ensuring educational providers' validation and enhancing the training's accountability and quality. This step forward is crucial in providing our students with meaningful educational experiences and preparing them for their careers. Special thanks to our Executive Director, Martin Garsee, and the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) Board for their efforts in this success. I am grateful for their dedication.

The upcoming regional meetings are valuable opportunities for our members to meet face-to-face, exchange ideas, share best practices, and learn from one another. I hope to see you at one or more this Fall.

In April 2024, we will roll into the biggest little city, RENO, for our annual conference. As always, the conference promises to be an incredible time. The opportunity to bring together educators, administrators, and the carriers and vendors that support what we do. All are committed to enhancing educational opportunities and success for all our student drivers. I hope to see you there.

Thank you for your continued support of NAPFTDS. Thank you for all you do to support entry-level driver training.

Coming Events ...

• Region 6, October 1-3, 2023, Marion Technical College, Host: Richard Monroe

• Region 3 & 5, October 22-24, 2023, Hawkeye Community College, Host: Celeste Turner

• Region 4, November 1-3, 2023, Del Mar College, Host: Lynette Cervantes

• 34th 2024 Annual NAPFTDS Conference, Reno, Nevada, April 21-24, 2024

Hope that you have had a great summer. We, especially those of us in the hot humid south, will be glad to see the Fall. As I write this the thermometer shows 104 degrees with heat index of 114 degrees. With Fall comes a new budget and hopefully a raise.

By Martin Garsee

In early August, NAPFTDS had the privilege of meeting with Patrick Nemons with FMCSA and hear him discuss the changes needed to be made in the TPR and how they will monitor and enforce compliance on the TPR. Thanks to CVTA for hosting this meeting and sharing their videos of that meeting with our members. There is an article located in this newsletter with links to watch the meeting. There has been a lot of time and effort put into getting this dialog going to discuss FMCSA addressing the ‘bad actors’ that are on the TPR. It will not be an overnight fix but a process to address them will be put in place. Over the next few months and years we will see significant progress.

In the Fall, there are three regional meetings scheduled, see more information on these events with agendas in this newsletter as well as on the website. Members will enjoy and learn from the presentation. The networking with others that do the same thing you do every day allows us to have so much to share with each other. Please try to attend these regionals. Schools have worked hard to host these meeting. Also, Crissie Moffet has done an amazing job to get sponsors so we can enjoy these meeting at no cost to our members for registration and food.

I was reminded earlier this week by a former student what a difference we make in the lives of our students. Our schools give them an opportunity to have a successful career for the rest of their work life if they work hard. This student is providing well for his family, much better than before he became a truck driver. There will be a lot of stories to share, as this is why we keep doing what we do. Remember your success stories when you are struggling to get through to students.

Hope to see you at one of the regionals.

In This Issue ...

• FMCSA Presents Updated ELDT Enforcement Strategy

• President’s Message

• Coming Events

• Executive Director Report

• 2023 Partnerships

• Region 6 meeting info Host Marion Technical College

• Region 3&5 meeting info Host Hawkeye Com College

• Region 4 meeting info Host Del Mar College

• Fayetteville Technical CC New Training Facility

• NAPFTDS Committee Happenings

• 34th Annual NAPFTDS Conference, April 21-24, 2024 Reno, Nevada

• UPDATE on NAPFTDS Board of Directors

• 2024 Board Nominations

• Contact NAPFTDS

• Board of Directors

To ramp up ELDT enforcement, the FMCSA will be

• Utilizing the emergency removal process to remove training providers that fail to maintain state licensure immediately.

• Contacting states to verify state licensure before listing new training providers on the TPR.

• Performing quarterly data checks to remove inactive or non-compliant training providers from the TPR.

• Increasing staffing at FMCSA headquarters, regional offices, and state division offices to serve ELDT enforcement.

• Updating the TPR website to require greater attestation by training providers and to indicate what entities are facing removal proceedings.

CVTA Board of Directors Discuss ELDT Updates with OSP Director Nemons (1:21:18)

These enforcement developments result from tireless work by the ELDT Task Force and members like you who have shared information about bad actors with NAPFTDS, CVTA, and FMCSA.

In this effort, NAPFTDS, CVTA and the American Trucking Association (ATA) in their collaboration is stressing the importance of ELDT compliance.

NAPFTDS and CVTA applaud FMCSA Administrator, Robin Hutcheson, and the FMCSA Office of Safety Programs for prioritizing improved ELDT enforcement and for the robust partnership that has been built between NAPFTDS, CVTA, and FMCSA.

NAPFTDS and CVTA remains in full support of the Agency's goals in increasing highway safety through the National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS) and the important role ELDT enforcement plays in the advancement of the NRSS.

As this FMCSA auditing and investigations strategy is implemented NAPFTDS and CVTA will engage with them and provide more information to our members as it occurs.

Respectfully,

Executive Director, NAPFTDS President, NAPFTDS

REGIONAL MEETING

October 1-3, 2023

Region 6 host is Marion Technical College in Ocala, Florida.

Location: Marion Technical College, 1014 SW 7th Rd, Ocala, FL

The hotel of choice is Comfort Inn, 1212 S Pine Ave, Ocala FL 352-629-7300

Group Code: NAPFTDS

Dates: October 1-3, 2023

Rate: King $94.00 / 2 Queen $99.00

DEADLINE: Friday, September 15, 2023

The meeting will start with a Sunday evening, October 1, Reception at the College with an all day meeting on Monday, October 2 and dinner that evening. Tuesday, October 3, will be a half day.

There will be a variety of presentations, hearing impaired, AAMVA, Why we do what we do, TAT presentation by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, ending with 2 industry roundtables (Technology in the Classroom and Carriers).

Meeting will have a lot of networking for all!

Regional meeting attendees can register online this year. . .

https://napftds.org/event/region-6-meeting-2/

AND FOOD PROVIDED!

Any questions, please contact Crissie Moffet, cmoffet@napftds.org or call 316-425-3297.

Sponsors for Region 6

Marion Technical College

Ocala, Florida

Region 6 Host and attendees want to thank each of our sponsors. Your sponsorship makes it possible for a successful event!

REGIONAL MEETING

October 22-24, 2023

Regions 3 & 5 are combined this year and hosted by Hawkeye Community College, October 22-24, 2023.

Location: Hawkeye Community College, 6433 Hammond Ave, Waterloo, Iowa

The hotel of choice is Isle of Capri, 777 Isle of Capri Blvd, Waterloo, Iowa 319-833-2162

Group: NAPFTDS

Dates: October 22-24, 2023

Rate: $90/$100 ($12% tax with a resort fee of $8.96)

DEADLINE: Monday, October 2, 2023 (20 days prior to event)

The meeting will begin with a Meet and Greet Social at the hotel on Sunday Evening from 6-9 p.m. (Isle of Capri, 777 Isle of Capri Blvd)

Monday morning, transportation will be provided from the hotel to the college, with breakfast being served at 7:30 a.m., going all day with Dinner at 6 p.m. Tuesday morning, breakfast will be 8 a.m. with wrap up at 12:30.

With a variety of presentations, such as FMCSA, Iowa DOT, AAMVA and a roundtable discussion. A tour of the Hawkeye’s Regional Transportation Training Center (RTTC) as well as a tour of the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum.

There will be lots of discussion and networking throughout the meeting!

Regional meeting attendees can now register online this year …

https://napftds.org/event/region-3-5-meeting/ Come

Any questions, please contact Crissie Moffet, cmoffet@napftds.org or call 316-425-3297.

Sponsors for Region 3 & 5

Hawkeye Community College

Waterloo, Iowa

Region 3 & 5 Host and attendees want to thank each of our sponsors. Your sponsorship makes it possible for a successful event!

REGIONAL MEETING

November 1-3, 2023

Region 4 host is Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas

Location: Emerald Beach Hotel, 1102 S. Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX

The hotel of choice is Emerald Beach Hotel, 1102 S. Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX

Group Code: DMC

Dates: November 1-3, 2023

Rate: $92 for one king or two doubles

DEADLINE: Monday, October 16, 2023

Click here for lodging link

The meeting will start with a Wednesday evening, November 1, Reception at the Emerald Beach Hotel; with an all day meeting on Thursday, November 2 and dinner that evening. Friday, November 3, will be a half day.

Presentations will be Hiring our Veterans-Success of Transition Trucking, Melton Highway Hero, AAMVA, Veterans and their Experiences (Dave Nemo Entertainment), ESGR, TAT, Hiring Veterans, TXTA, TX Department of Public Safety

Meeting will be full of networking!

Regional meeting attendees can register online this year. . .

https://napftds.org/event/region-4/

FEE AND FOOD PROVIDED!

Any questions, please contact Crissie Moffet, cmoffet@napftds.org or call 316-425-3297.

Sponsors for Region 4 Del Mar College

Corpus Christi, Texas

Region 4 Host and attendees want to thank each of our sponsors. Your sponsorship makes it possible for a successful event!

EXCITING news about Fayetteville Technical Community College new training complex!

FTCC Foundation Receives $400,000 from the Cannon Charitable Interests for the FTCC Supply Chain

FTCC is developing the Supply Chain Transport Complex that will address the truck driver and diesel mechanic shortages in North Carolina and beyond. The complex will assist with meeting regional industry demands and respond to economic growth in the warehouse, distribution, manufacturing, and food processing sectors.

FTCC’s new facility will be home to the Fleet Maintenance Technician program and the Commercial Truck Driver’s License Program (CDL). It will include a 900’ x 600’ CDL training pad with shifting track and skid area, and a building with classrooms, restrooms, and offices. It will also include a two-bay garage for maintenance of vehicles. The approximate size of the classroom building and garage is 5,000 square feet.

FTCC’s Corporate and Continuing Education Division provides training to individuals seeking their Commercial Truck Driver’s License. The FTCC CDL Program is registered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and certified as a Training Provider. Through this program, students will have the option of pursuing two routes for licensing to include the Class “A” Tractor/Trailers and Class “B” Endorsement with Passenger.

Fayetteville Technical Community College is planning to collaborate with Bladen and Robeson Community Colleges to increase each college’s capacity to deliver the skilled workforce necessary to support local industry. Both FTCC and RCC currently have CDL programs with waiting lists that extend into 2024. The new complex will double the capacity for enrollment in the CDL programs.

Construction will soon begin on the FTCC Supply Chain Transport Complex which will be developed in Fayetteville on the College’s Western Campus on a 60-acre property which is accessible by Raeford Road/Hwy 401 with easy access to I-295 and I-95. The current CDL program is located on the Fayetteville Campus of FTCC and will be moved to the Western Campus once it is complete.

Click here to view a short FTCC video on YouTube about the Supply Chain Transport Complex

Committee Happenings …

Want to be a part of a working committee, please contact Crissie Moffet, cmoffet@napftds.org.

Carrier-Donnie Tulk, Chair. The Committee is still reaching out to several carriers and keeping the dialogue going. Items discussed: 1) Be very pronounced about how much industry knowledge NAPFTDS members have. 2) Approach someone up the chain at the carriers and tell them how valuable it would be for them to join NAPFTDS. 3) Know the associate member cost and let potential carrier members know that it could be a low cost solution for them to get highly trained student drivers. 4) Give non-member recruiters that come into our schools a hard copy of the carrier outreach postcard. We need to make sure that all members know who our associate members are and to thank them for all that they do!

Conference/Nomination-Martin Garsee, Chair. The committee has signed a contract for the 2024 Annual Conference at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, for April 21-24, 2024. The Agenda is ’under construction.’ Any ideas, please email Crissie Moffet, cmoffet@napftds.org.

Education-John Thorpe, Chair. With new blood and ideas, I am anxious for 2023. If you have any interest in being on the Education Committee, please contact John Thorpe, john.thorpe@centraltech.edu or Crissie Moffet cmoffet@napftds.org

Marketing/Social Media NAPFTDS website re-design has been released and is ready for membership use. If you didn’t get a request to set up a new password, please contact Crissie Moffet 316-425-3297 or email cmoffet@napftds.org. We would also like to promote followers on NAPFTDS social media: Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin. The committee is promoting Facebook to reach 500 and Linkedin to reach 200 … Please remember to like our … Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ NAPFTDS and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/napftds/ and Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/nationalassociation-of-publicly-funded-truck-driving-schools/ The accounts are now linked and posts will appear on both! We are looking to grow our digital presence and reach a larger audience with our mission of education and this is one way we can do so. Please send any content to Marilyn Surber, marilyn.surber@tenstreet.com If you have suggestions for the marketing committee or you would like to become a member of the committee please contact Crissie Moffet cmoffet@napftds.org.

Membership-Dan Zdrojewski, Chair. The Membership Committee remains busy processing applications and making contact with potential members. The Regional meetings are approaching quickly. Summer breaks are over and schools have returned to business. Interest in NAPFTDS continues to grow. Since the start of the year, the Membership Committee has fielded many emails and phone calls from prospective members. There is a lot of interest in NAPFTDS from all parts of our industry. Our current membership stands at 169 Full Members, 2 Affiliate Members, and 28 Associate with 5 reciprocal organizations, totaling 175 members. The value of NAPFTDS is second to none. Many more training providers, companies, organizations, and institutions have started to become aware of us and our value. It is truly an exciting time for NAPFTDS. If additional information is needed, please reach out to me at zdrojedr@matc.edu or Crissie Moffet at cmoffet@napftds.org.

Regionals-Missy Blair, Chair. The Region Committee is looking for 2023 hosts for region 1 & 2 as well as region 7. Region meetings are from August through December. If your school is interested, please contact Crissie Moffet (cmoffet@napftds.org). We do have 3 regions with a host …Region 3 & 5 is October 22-24, 2023. Hawkeye Community College, Waterloo, Iowa; Region 4 is November 1-3, 2023, Del Mar College, Corpus Christi, Texas and Region 6 is October 1-3, 2023 hosted by Marion Technical College-Florida, Ocala, FL. So find out what it is all about and show off your campus by hosting a region meeting in 2023! Do you want to host a regional meeting in 2023? Contact Crissie Moffet, cmoffet@napftds.org or call 316-425-3297.

Regulatory-Jill Schultz, Chair. The regulatory committee informs members of changes and proposed changes to federal laws, regulations, and policies related to truck driver training. The following are highlights for February 2023 through July 2023.

DOT approves oral fluid as a second drug testing option. Use of this option will begin once the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) approves at least two labs to process oral fluid samples.

ELDT exemption requested. A driver training school in Alaska has asked for an exemption to certain ELDT behind-the-wheel topics. In its petition, the school states that unique road systems in their area prevent instruction on topics such as on-ramps and off-ramps and left and right turns.

Automatic emergency braking and electronic stability control systems proposed. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has published a proposed rule that would require all new vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds to have automatic emergency brakes (AEBs) and electronic stability control systems (ESC). Comments on the proposal are being accepted until September 5, 2023.

34th Annual NAPFTDS Conference

April 21-24, 2024

Reno, Nevada

‘Rolling into the Biggest Little City Reno!’

Our 34th Annual 2024 Conference is in Reno, Nevada.

Theme: ‘Rolling into the Biggest Little City Reno!’

Hotel is the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, 2500 E. 2nd St., Reno, NV 89595

The award-winning Grand Sierra Resort features nearly 2,000 hotel rooms and suites, the largest casino floor in northern Nevada at 100,000 square feet, and the best entertainment and nightlife offerings in Reno.

Located minutes from the Reno-Tahoe International airport and in the heart of the Truckee Meadows, GSR is ideally positioned to explore all the region has to offer while providing everything you need in one convenient location. Whether you are visiting on vacation, attending an event or conference, or seeking the best in entertainment, dining and gaming, welcome to the grandest destination in Reno!

Lodging Rates:

Saturday, April 20, 2024 rate: $269.00

Sunday, April 21, 2024 rate: $199.00

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, April 22, 23, 24 , 25 rate is $69.00

Each reservation will have the following added to their room:

$30 resort fee, 13% tax, $2 daily tourism fee & $1.99 housekeeping daily gratuity per day.

Reservation cutoff Deadline: Saturday, April 6, 2024 midnight Pacific time

Reservations call: 1-800-648-5080 or passkey Link HTTPS://BOOK.PASSKEY.COM/GO/PFTDS

Parking: Complimentary Self and Valet Parking

Registration Fees:

• $475 EARLY BIRD (60 days)

• $550 Member Registration Fee

• $700 Non-Member Registration Fee

• $150 Spouse Registration Fee (Includes ALL meals)

• $75 Spouse Banquet Fee ONLY

Online Registration is preferred: https://napftds.org/event/33rd-napftds-annual-conference/

Meal Sponsorships are greatly appreciated and keep conference costs down! Interested ...please mark appropriate box on your online registration and/or contact Crissie Moffet at cmoffet@napftds.org or call 316-425-3297.

MEAL Sponsorships

-recognized at conference and posted at the event also pre and post Learning Curve eNewsletters

$2500 Morning Breakfast Sponsor (April 22)

$1500 – Morning Break Sponsor (April 22)

$4000 – Lunch Sponsor (April 22)

$1500 – Afternoon Break Sponsor (April 22)

$4000 – Reception Sponsor (April 22)

$2500 – Breakfast (April 23)

$1500 - Morning Break Sponsor (April 23)

$4000 - Lunch Sponsor (April 23)

$1500 – Afternoon Break Sponsor (April 23)

$3000 – 2 Banquet Sponsors needed (April 23)

$2500 – Morning Breakfast Sponsor (April 24)

$1500 – Morning Break Sponsor (April 24)

NATIONAL CONFERENCE/NAPFTDS PARTNERSHIPS

The following are Partnership benefits!

PLATINUM Partner - $10,000 and includes:

• Space for Display booth at all receptions at National Convention

• Registration for four (4) participants at National Convention

• Space for display booth at all Region Conferences

• Annual membership dues

• Advertising in quarterly issues of Learning Curve

• Feature article in Learning Curve

• Listing associate company on links page on NAPFTDS website

• Placing company logo and link on all pages of website

GOLD Partner - $5,000 and includes:

• Space for Display booth at all receptions at National Convention

• Registration for three (3) participants at National Convention

• Space for display booth at all Region Conferences

• Annual membership dues

• Listing associate company on links page on NAPFTDS website

• Placing company logo and link on website “home page”

SILVER Partner - $2,500 and includes:

• Space for Display booth at all receptions at National Convention

• Registration for two (2) participants at National Convention

• Annual membership dues

• Listing associate company on links page on NAPFTDS website

• Placing company logo and link on website “home page”

The ConferenceAgenda is still ‘under construction!’

PLATINUM PARTNER

driving-tests.org

GOLD PARTNERS

Advanced Training Systems LLC

Doron Precision Systems, Inc.

J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc.

Schneider

Tenstreet

TMC

Virage Simulation

SILVER PARTNERS

Covenant Logistics

CRST

Driver IQ

FASTPORT

Kelly Anderson Group

L3-Driver Training Solutions

Melton Truck Lines

FASTPORT

Bumper-to-Bumper

Roehl

Ruan Truck & Trailer Sales

Seaboard Foods LLC

Simulator Systems Int’l

Stevens Transport

TransForce Group

Werner Enterprises

Board NEWS

At the August meeting, Kelly Carey, Wor-Wic Community College, has accepted a new position and has resigned from the Board. Kelly Carey was elected to the Board in 2022 and has been an active Board member and was also the Chair of the Marketing/Social Media Committee. The Board wishes Kelly good luck in her new position!

President Lorie Latigo has appointed Richard Monroe, Marion Technical College, as Interim Board member to complete her term which expires March 2025. Want to get to know him Marion Technical College is hosting this year’s Region 6 meeting, October 1-3, 2023, and introduce yourself! Alittle information on Rickey below:

Richard ‘Rickey’ Monroe, Marion Technical College, Ocala, Florida. Rickey has been in the trucking industry since 1999. He has been in education as an instructor since 2012 and Lead Instructor/Examiner with MTC since 2018. In his career, he has been a company driver, owner operator, owned a trucking company, dispatched as well as an instructor. As an instructor, he enjoyed being able to teach new drivers what he had learned over the years as well as his love for the transportation industry which he shares with his students.

Congratulations Rickey!

2024 Board Nominations: In 2024, the membership will have three board member term’s expire as well as a Vendor Board member and a Carrier Board member. Nomination form and process will be available at your regional meetings, Region 3 & 5, Waterloo, Iowa; Region 4, Corpus Christi, Texas; and Region 6 in Ocala, Florida. Also watch for it on our website as well.

Would you like to advertise in our eNewsletter, the Learning Curve?

You do!

Then please give Crissie Moffet a call/email 316-425-3297 / cmoffet@napftds.org.

Mission Statement

The National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools, Inc. is an organization established for the promotion of safety, professionalism and quality education within the transportation industry.

NAPFTDS BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2023

President

Lorie Latigo Lone Star College Transportation Insti.

Vice President

Donnie Tulk Tulsa Tech

Secretary

John Thorpe Central Tech

Treasurer

Rob Behnke Fox Valley Technical College

Board Member

Tiffany Howard Louisiana Technical & Com College System

Interim Bd Member

Michael McCarthy Seward County Community College

Vendor Member

Deborah Quackenbush Virage Simulation

Vendor Member

Jill Schultz J.J. Keller & Associates Inc.

Carrier Member

Bill Buechel Schneider

Board Member

Celeste Turner Hawkeye Community College

Carrier Member

Lesley Vincent Melton Truck Lines

CVTA Representative

Cindy Atwood CVTA Representative

Board Member

Dan Zdrojewski Milwaukee Area Technical College

Board Member

Nikole Willing Central Tech

Board Member

Lynette Cervantes Del Mar College

Executive Director

Martin Garsee Houston Community College

Board Member

Missy Blair Pima Community College

Immediate Past President John Rojas

Board Member

Richard ‘Rickey’ Monroe Marion Technical College

New Members in 2023

Full Members

• Cloud County Community College, Junction City, KS

• Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Green Bay, WI

• State Fair Community College, Sedalia, MO

• Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program, West Lafayette, IN Associate Members

• Smithfield Foods, Laurinburg, NC

The National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (NAPFTDS)

is an organization for the promotion of public education for the transportation industry. Through membership, educators can network with other truck driving schools across the country to provide the highest quality, most cost-effective, and up-todate training available. Contact us: Martin Garsee, Executive Dir., NAPFTDS Martin.garsee@hccs.edu

713-718-8203 (O) 713-304-8324 (M)

Rob Behnke, Treasurer, NAPFTDS rob.behnke7787@fvtc.edu

920-996-2889 (O)

Tina Frindt, Finance/Technical Assistant tfrindt@napftds.org

570-688-5710 (M)

Crissie Moffet Admin Assist to the Board cmoffet@napftds.org

316-425-3297 (O)