Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) is taking a proactive step to combat the massive shortage of truck drivers in the United States by relaunching its Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program.New class begins on Jan. 29, 2024 at the BRCC Port Allen Site, 3233 Rosedale Rd., Port Allen, LA. This initiative is aimed at preparing students for successful careers as professional commercial drivers while simultaneously addressing the critical shortage that the American Journal of Transportation (AJOT) reports.
According to the AJOT, the United States is currently facing a pressing need for more truck drivers to meet the demand. The forecasted shortage of 160,000 truck drivers by 2030 poses a significant challenge to the trucking industry, which is essential to the nation's economy since almost all businesses need them.
“As we relaunch our Commercial Driver’s License program at BRCC, we recognize its critical role in addressing the nationwide shortage of truck drivers. Baton Rouge Community College is excited to provide this opportunity for individuals seeking a rewarding career in commercial driving while actively contributing to the solution for the nationwide truck driver shortage,” said BRCC Chancellor Dr. Willie E. Smith. “The trucking industry is the backbone of our economy and by training skilled and safety-conscious commercial drivers, we not only provide a promising career path for our students but also contribute to this vital industry.”
BRCC’s CDL program follows the strict guidelines of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Entry-Level Driver Training. The program's comprehensive curriculum includes both classroom theory and hands-on training, covering vital subjects such as DOT regulations, vehicle inspections, maneuvering skills, driving on rural, urban, and interstate highways, cargo handling, hours of service compliance, and defensive driving techniques.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to test for either a CDL Class A (tractor-trailer) or CDL Class B (straight truck) license, with the final skills test administered by BRCC's state-approved examiners.
To enroll in the six-week program, individuals must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being at least 18 years old, holding a valid LA driver's license without any flags or blocks, passing a Department of Transportation physical and drug screen, and obtaining their Class A or B Permit through the LA Office of Motor Vehicles before the course begins.
Eligible students may qualify for funding through the M.J. Foster Promise program or their local LA Workforce offices.
Program Details:
- Duration: six (6) weeks, Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm (in-person classes)
- Cost: $5,500 (includes the 3rd party skills exam after course completion)
- Class to run from October 23 to December 8 at the BRCC Port Allen Site, 3233 Rosedale Rd., Port Allen, LA
For more information about the BRCC Commercial Driver’s License program, visit mybrcc.edu/academics/transportation-technology/cdl.php to review the steps to enroll, or contact Jason Butcher, CDL Instructor at butcherj@mybrcc.edu, 225-421-3801 or 318-316-3085.
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