American Shipper, May 29, 2019
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has selected 35 voting members to serve on a newly created Surface Transportation Advisory Committee. The committee, which will report to TSA Administrator David Pekoske on surface transportation security matters, includes representatives from the American Trucking Association and Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. “Trucking is the linchpin of the nation’s supply chain,” said John Kearney, CEO of Advanced Training Systems LLC. “The TSA clearly understands that drivers will be front and center in remaining on the alert for supply-related threats.”

FreightWaves, July 3, 2018
The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced a pilot program aimed at alleviating the driver shortage by allowing drivers under the age of 21 who hold a military commercial driver’s license to operate large trucks in interstate commerce. The pilot program will run for three years, during which time the safety records of drivers in the program will be compared to those of a control group. John Kearney, CEO and President of Advanced Training Systems, said, “This legislation will help train drivers to a level far and above current licensing standards. It creates opportunity while reinforcing a culture of safety.”

Supply Post, February 2019
In October, the U.S. District Court in the Western Division of Arkansas ruled that truck drivers should receive at least minimum wage for their work time. While drivers paid by the mile may continue to be paid in that fashion, their overall pay, according to the ruling, must meet the federal requirement for minimum wage. “Truck Drivers,” says John Kearney, CEO, Advanced Training Systems LLC, “have historically had to deal with delays beyond their control that detract from their productive over-the-road hours. If we push to attract drivers who will choose this as a profession, total compensation which depends on miles driven is the overall key to attracting and keeping drivers.”