On this episode of Nemo Nation, hosts Dave Nemo and Jimmy Mac welcome Andy Poliakoff, Executive Director of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA), and Jeff Burkhardt, newly appointed CVTA Chairman and Sr. Director of Operations for Commercial Driver Training at Ancora Training.

They discuss CVTA’s leadership in CDL training and highway safety, including ELDT enforcement, non-domiciled CDL rules, and the fight against fraudulent and non-compliant training providers. Andy and Jeff explain how CVTA is advocating for stronger oversight, faster removals of “fly-by-night” schools, and meaningful penalties to ensure students and the public are protected.

Topics Covered:

• CVTA: Largest association of truck driver training programs in the U.S., representing 400+ locations in 46 states and training 100,000+ entry-level drivers annually

• ELDT Task Force: Oversight of Training Provider Registry (TPR), letters to Sec. Duffy, Senate testimony, and Fall Conference advocacy

• FMCSA updates: 2,685 providers reclassified for removal, 10,471 providers given corrective action notices

• Non-Domiciled CDL/CLP Rule: New interim final rule tightening eligibility for three visa categories (H-2A, H-2B, E-2)

• OIG audit of CDL testing oversight and the importance of testing in English

• CVTA recommendations: mandatory re-registration, faster removals, meaningful penalties, unannounced audits, and consistent leadership at FMCSA

• Impact on students, highway safety, and accountability

Guest Links:

CVTA: https://www.cvta.org/

Guest Bios:

Andy Poliakoff is Executive Director of CVTA, the nation’s largest association of commercial driver training programs. With expertise in transportation policy and advocacy, he drives initiatives to strengthen driver training, compliance, and public safety across the U.S.

Jeff Burkhardt is Sr. Director of Operations for Ancora Training and Chairman of the CVTA Board. With over 30 years in transportation, Jeff oversees CDL program compliance, curriculum, and personnel development. His leadership ensures training programs uphold the highest standards nationwide.

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