Clayton approved as entry-level CDL training provider; town reports cost savings

Clayton officials told council the town has become an entry-level commercial driver's license (CDL) training facility and that in-house training is saving money and reducing service disruptions. Jerome Parker, the town's safety and risk officer, said the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires entry-level driver training for Class A and B applicants, a rule the FMCSA implemented Feb. 7, 2022.
Parker said the town was officially approved as a private CDL training facility on June 6, 2024, allowing the town to provide the required theory and behind-the-wheel training in house. "Economically, it saves a town about $4,500 per employee," Parker said. "So far, just this year alone, we've saved the town over $22,000 in just registration fees."
Nut graph: Town officials said in-house CDL training reduces outside training costs and minimizes overtime and operational disruption because employees can train without prolonged absences from town duties.
Parker described the program's structure: a classroom/online theory component covering about 30 topics (theory registration cost cited as $69), followed by documented ride-along hours with qualified in-town CDL drivers and scheduling of DMV skills tests when trainees are ready. He listed employees who have completed the program (Joshua Heller, Landon Gilbert, Jonathan Whaley, Craven Bailey and Colin Little) and named employees currently enrolled and expected future enrollees.
Parker acknowledged the program requires staff time and named town employees who helped launch it; he also thanked three CDL-qualified drivers who served as trainers. The town manager praised the program as a recruitment and retention opportunity that could help applicants meet job qualifications without leaving town employment.
There was no formal council vote reported on the program at the meeting; the presentation was a staff report. Ending: Parker said the town expects additional enrollments in the coming weeks and projected first-year cost savings could exceed $67,500 if current training numbers continue.