News

March 25th CVTA COVID-19 Update

Mar 25, 2020

Below you will find updates that have occurred since yesterday and your last CVTA update.

1. FMCSA Call with Acting Administrator Jim Mullen

FMCSA Acting Administrator Jim Mullen had a call with industry stakeholders. He fielded a number of questions of interest to the trucking industry. In the call, Mullen addressed several points pertinent to CVTA members. He addressed State Driver’s License Agency closures, testing for CLP holders, DHS Guidance (CISA) relating to critical infrastructure workers, FMCSA outreach to states, and concerns and reluctance to visit certain specific drug testing centers regarding random drug testing.

In particular, Mullen stated that one of FMCSA’s “top priority” is working on CDL testing for those that currently have a CLP but cannot obtain an actual license. They are currently researching and hope to have something very soon. He also noted that FMCSA working on guidance for Agricultural CDLs.

FMCSA announced it would be placing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to help guide all motor carriers and operators during this time of crisis.

2. $2 Trillion Congressional Deal Reached

Congress is expected to pass a $2 Trillion Stimulus package within the next 24 hours. Details are still emerging and we will be sure to get all details to members as they become known.

3. State Driver’s License Agencies Daily Update

DMVs Closed: 22
DMV Limited Operations: 28
DMV Fully Open: 0

Click here is a current list of DMV Statuses as of Wednesday, March 25, 2020.

Kyle Hayes

Kyle Hayes is the Director of Government Relations at CVTA. In this role, he leads the implementation of the Association’s legislative and regulatory strategy. He is also the primary point of contact between CVTA Members and federal agencies, Congress, and state governments.

Hayes most recently led research projects that supported federal and state advocacy on healthcare and economic issues at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a nationally recognized research and policy institute based in Washington D.C. He received a master’s degree in public policy from American University in 2015 and graduated from the University of Georgia in 2012.

Andrew Poliakoff

Andy Poliakoff is the Executive Director for CVTA. In this role, he promotes the mission of the membership organization and implements goals set by the Board of Directors. This includes forming partnerships with external stakeholders, providing guidance and direction to the CVTA staff team, and engaging with state and federal government agencies to advance CVTA’s mission of safety and career opportunities in the truck driver training industry.

In 2021 and 2022, Andy acted as federal affairs lead for Electrify America, interacting at high levels within Congress, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Department of Energy, and the White House. In that capacity, he played a pivotal role in the optimization of large-scale infrastructure funding at the Federal Highway Administration as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

From 2019 to 2021 Andy served as Director of Gov't Affairs for CVTA and formed a strong bond with members, engaging on advocacy related to Entry-Level Driver Training, Skills Testing Delays, and Workforce funding. During the pandemic, Andy fought at the state and federal level to treat CDL training and testing as the essential services they are. He is personally invested in the important mission of CVTA's members to deliver safe training and to transform people's lives through truck driving careers.

Andy holds a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University and a law degree from the Columbus School of Law at Catholic University.

Cindy Atwood

Cindy Atwood is the Vice President at CVTA. An experienced association professional, Cindy handles all activities related to membership retention, financial accounting and committee engagement. Cindy artfully produces CVTA’s off-site biannual conferences, Hill Day operations and Board meetings, ensuring that the general membership and leadership’s necessities and wishes are met with the highest response.

An essential fixture in the truck driver training association space, Cindy manages CVTA’s Instructor Certification Program and provides critical counsel to new entrants into the truck driver training industry.

Kyle Hayes

Kyle Hayes is the Director of Government Relations at CVTA. In this role, he leads the implementation of the Association’s legislative and regulatory strategy. He is also the primary point of contact between CVTA Members and federal agencies, Congress, and state governments.

Hayes most recently led research projects that supported federal and state advocacy on healthcare and economic issues at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a nationally recognized research and policy institute based in Washington D.C. He received a master’s degree in public policy from American University in 2015 and graduated from the University of Georgia in 2012.