“The agency grants this exemption because the islands of Lanai and Molokai do not have the highway infrastructure to support a demonstration of certain on-road safe driving skills required by the CDL skills test requirements,” FMCSA wrote.

Last year, Hawaii formally requested these exemptions, underscoring the need for a tailored approach due to the distinct characteristics of the islands’ roadways. Standard regulations mandate that CDL applicants must demonstrate specific on-road safe-driving skills, such as choosing safe gaps for changing lanes, passing vehicles, and entering traffic. However, recognizing the unique challenges presented by the highway infrastructure on Lanai and Molokai, Hawaii proposed a restricted CDL that focuses on essential skills, excluding certain on-road maneuvers.

“The state of Hawaii maintains that the islands of Lanai and Molokai do not have at least 2 miles of a straight section of urban business street and at least 2 miles of an expressway or highway section with multiple lanes going in each direction to allow the ability to legally change lanes,” FMCSA wrote.

Under the granted exemption, drivers who pass a limited skills test would receive a restricted CDL. Notably, these drivers would be excused from demonstrating on-road skills such as changing lanes, passing, and signaling appropriately when changing direction in traffic. The exemption applies exclusively to CDL applicants undergoing the skills test on the islands of Lanai and Molokai, confining the drivers to operate commercial motor vehicles solely on these two islands.

“The information provided by the state supports the state’s assertion that the islands of Lanai and Molokai lack the highway infrastructure to permit CDL applicants to demonstrate their ability to signal appropriately when changing direction in traffic, and the ability to choose a safe gap for changing lanes, passing other vehicles and crossing or entering traffic,” FMCSA wrote. “Therefore, CDL applicants who drive a CMV only on the islands of Lanai and Molokai do not need to demonstrate those skills to obtain their restricted CDL.”

The exemption period began on Tuesday, Feb. 20, and is slated to continue through Feb. 20, 2026. During this time, the FMCSA received no opposition to the proposed exemption, signifying a general acceptance of the need for a nuanced approach to CDL testing in the unique driving conditions presented by the Hawaiian Islands.

Source: Land Line

The post State of Hawaii Gets FMCSA Exemption on CDL Test appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Tragically, the devastating wildfires that originated on Aug. 8 have already claimed the lives of at least 111 individuals, marking this as the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century.

In light of these alarming circumstances, ensuring the safety and well-being of both the carriers and the community they serve is vital. This emergency waiver order is crucial in mitigating potential hazards and protecting lives during this critical time.

“Given the continuing impacts caused by the Hawaii wildfires, PHMSA’s Associate Administrator has determined that regulatory relief is in the public interest and necessary to ensure the safe transportation in commerce of hazardous material while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and United States Coast Guard (USCG) execute their recovery and cleanup efforts in the State of Hawaii,” the order states.

The waivers issued to those conducting operations within the emergency areas mean that non-radioactive hazardous materials can be transported to staging areas within 50 miles, with alternative safety requirements enforced by the EPA and USGC.

This emergency waiver will be in effect for 60 days, allowing for an efficient and swift response to the disaster.

Furthermore, President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster, unleashing federal funding to provide assistance for those affected by the wildfires in Hawaii.

“Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster,” the White House said in a statement.

Federal funds are now being offered to state and local governments and specific private non-profit organizations. These funds are intended to cover debris removal costs and emergency protective measures in both Maui County and Hawaii County.

Source: Land Line

The post Emergency Waiver Issued for Carriers Transporting Hazardous Materials in Hawaii During Disaster appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Now, days later, the death toll has reached a staggering 99 lives lost, and it is only expected to rise. Countless homes and structures have been reduced to ashes, leaving behind a chilling scene of destruction. Front Street, once a historic gem, is now a haunting sight, with charred car shells serving as a grim reminder of the tragedy.

Search teams are bravely combing through the remnants of each house, painstakingly searching for any signs of life and grappling with the full extent of the damage.

“We mourn with those who’ve lost family members, friends and homes, not to mention most of their hometown,” says Kathy Fulton, Executive Director of the American Logistics Aid Network, otherwise known as ALAN. “And we have already begun actively supporting relief efforts.”

Source: National Interagency Fire Center and New York Times

Fulton added that oftentimes after a disaster, it’s not uncommon for there to be a lot of mixed feelings and a lot of confusion. “And that’s certainly been the case with this one. While there’s been a huge outpouring of love from individuals and organizations who have offered their support, there’s also been a lot of frustration because they can’t seem to find anyone to take them up on their offers. Meanwhile, outrage has grown because some media stories have reported that Maui’s disaster survivors are still going without the things they need.”

ALAN’s partners have been actively visiting Maui and they have observed that all the points of distribution are fully stocked. In fact, some of these locations have been so inundated with donations that they have temporarily paused distribution to organize everything properly.

Many of the fire survivors on the island are receiving essential assistance such as food, water, medical care, and more, according to Fulton. While you may not have an opportunity to provide direct aid at the moment, their needs are being met. “And don’t be surprised if your opportunity to help comes many weeks, months or even years down the line – including many opportunities from ALAN, because supply chain services are often some of the most critical resources that disaster relief organizations need.”

How ALAN is Helping Survivors

ALAN swiftly responded to the news of the fires by connecting with its non-profit partners on the ground to determine their specific needs for logistics services and equipment. Fortunately, the community has been incredibly generous and has already met their short-term needs. ALAN recognizes, however, that these needs may change as relief and recovery efforts continue.

To stay updated on the situation, please visit ALAN’s Disaster Micro-Site at alanaid.org/operations, where they regularly post open needs.

In addition, ALAN has been reaching out to businesses with products on Maui or nearby islands who are willing to share their resources. Their goal is to connect these businesses with organizations in need, ensuring that the right products reach the right place.

To further streamline efforts, ALAN has created a logistics workgroup for the Hawai’i VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters). As the leader of this group, their role is to identify both short and long-term needs and capabilities, as well as individuals and organizations willing to address them. Their aim is to reduce confusion, eliminate gaps, and prevent duplication of effort, as no effort should go to waste when the need is so great.

ALAN is also working closely with the state of Hawaii’s donations task force to manage the influx of unsolicited donations. They are responsible for securely storing, sorting, and utilizing these items at the appropriate time, place, and location. With their expertise in logistics, ALAN is well-equipped for this task.

All of these actions are made possible through your generous financial support.  If you would like to contribute, please consider donating now.

Lastly, ALAN is preparing to fulfill requests for donated logistics assistance, and we invite you to participate in this important endeavor.

How the Trucking Industry Can Help

If you have warehouse space, trucks, equipment, or supplies that you can donate to support this cause, please offer them now. ALAN needs a lot of support on both the islands and the mainland. The more information ALAN has about available resources, the quicker they can fulfill requests and provide assistance to survivors.

Also, reach out to ALAN to let them know what you and your company are doing to support the relief efforts in Hawaii. ALAN doesn’t need to manage everything, but they want to take advantage of opportunities to share resources and lessen the burden on Maui.

Please refrain from sending things to Hawaii at this time. Relief organizations and survivors don’t have a place to store or manage them. Dealing with the influx of products has become a challenge for ALAN’s partners, who are already overwhelmed.

Additionally, please consider making a donation to support ALAN’s response efforts. ALAN relies on financial support to continue providing critical logistics assistance to communities like Maui in their recovery process.

Source: Women in Trucking

The post From Paradise to Tragedy: How Fire Ravaged Lahaina and How You Can Help with ALAN appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This innovative initiative opens up new doors for Native Hawaiian women, providing them with lucrative career opportunities and valuable skills behind the wheel. It’s a program that is set to shatter stereotypes and empower women in this traditionally male-dominated field.

“We are extremely happy and excited to partner with the American Association of University Women Honolulu Branch, who provided us the funding to launch this all-wahine CDL-A training program,” Kaneheilua Lindsey, program manager for the Hawaiian Trades Academy with Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, said in an interview with Transport Topics.

She then went on to say that AAUW sponsored $40,000 to bring this program to fruition and provide women with access to trucking careers.

“We feel that it is extremely important to help more women in Hawaii gain access to the necessary certifications needed to receive better jobs in traditionally male-dominated industries,” Lindsey said. “Our goal is that through this program, we will provide a comfortable and welcoming space where women are equipped with the training and resources needed to eventually receive their CDL-A license, which opens the opportunity to begin or advance their careers in occupations with higher paying salary ranges.”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that over 4,000 individuals are currently employed in Hawaii as drivers of heavy and tractor-trailer trucks. What’s particularly enticing about this career choice is the average yearly wage of $55,560, which surpasses other job salaries in Hawaii by a staggering 50%.

“Truck drivers are essential in maintaining the state of Hawaii’s supply chain, and a shortage of drivers could have a critical impact on this chain. This is an issue that has persisted for a while, and a large part of that shortage is due to the low presence of women within the industry,” Lindsey said. “We’re hoping to address that issue by positioning more and more women to receive their CDL-A license, where they may potentially pursue a career in trucking that can earn between $50,000 and more than $90,000 annually.”

Hawaiian Trades Academy expressed excitement over women’s enthusiastic response to the program. Women comprise nearly half of Hawaii’s 1.4 million residents, making their interest a significant indicator of success. Additionally, the latest U.S. Census Bureau data reveals that native Hawaiians/other Pacific Islanders represent 10.5% of the state’s population.

“Since we’ve begun promoting this program to the public, many within the community have reached out and stated that the fact that this program is women-only has helped convince them to apply and pursue earning their CDL-A license. Additionally, this program has allowed for them to feel more comfortable to pursue such a career, as it provides them a space where they are surrounded by like-minded women who want to achieve the same goal,” Lindsey said.

Nearly 40 applications had been submitted as of mid-June, with more expected before the program began.

Students enrolled in the CDL course will receive theory instruction in Oahu. Additionally, they will have access to simulators and behind-the-wheel training at the academy’s offices in Kapolei and the truck training site in Kalaeloa.

Graduating women will receive job referral assistance, and licensed graduates will be connected with potential employers.

“We will provide opportunities for students to personally meet and initiate these conversations with those employers through mini job fairs, planned interviews, or meet-and-greets,” Lindsey noted.

Lindsey expressed gratitude to AAUW Honolulu for its partnership “as we pursue a common goal in uplifting women within our home” as well as to other supporters who have reached out when learning about the CDL program for native Hawaiian women.

“Your support proves to us that there is a want and need within the community, and we look to continue to provide them, as well as future similar opportunities,” he added.

Visit hawaiiancouncil.org/trades or email trades@hawaiiancouncil.org to participate.

Source: Transport Topics

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