News & Insights

2024 brought many significant changes and events that affect the school bus industry. From the extension of the Under the Hood Exemption, to changes and challenges in new laws affecting employers, there was no shortage of news in the past year. Continuing reading for a recap of the year’s most significant events that may have an impact on you and your business.

On August 28, 2023, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (“PennDOT”) implemented FMCSA’s Under the Hood (UTH) CDL Testing Exemption to enhance school bus driver recruiting and retention as directed by House Resolution 15. This initiative is also known as the “School Bus Only CDL” because it allows school bus operators in Pennsylvania to simplify the CDL training process for candidates who are obtaining their CDL for the purpose of driving a “School Bus Only”. Continue reading f...

The school bus driver shortage has become a nationwide issue that has even resulted in some schools canceling instructional days. All school bus contractors have been faced with this issue and regularly struggle with keeping drivers behind the wheel. Operators have tried bonus programs, referral programs, and free CDL training. Despite these efforts, the driver shortage continues. Following is a novel approach that could provide some relief by removing a common barrier to entry that discourages ...