Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, May 21, 2026:
- CDL school suspended by Michigan Department of State, investigation ongoing.
- Considering a new KW? If you're an OOIDA member, check out this deal.
Detroit trucking school suspended for shorting trainees' instruction hours
The Michigan Department of State (MDOS) suspended the operations of a Detroit truck driving school alleging violations of the Driver Education Provider and Instructor Act (DEPIA), a Michigan law governing driver education providers.
The move comes as both federal and some state governments boost scrutiny of CDL training and school certification.
MDOS said it found that Detroit Training Center Inc. charged students for hours of commercial driver’s license (CDL) instruction they did not fully receive, costing them money and creating barriers to completing the federally required training needed to enter the trucking industry.
The DTC company's listing on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Training Provider Registry shows a range of theory and behind-the-wheel training offered.
The MDOS Driver Education Unit issued a summary suspension to the school, located at 5151 Loraine St., on May 14 after an initial investigation by MDOS found the school misled students by providing fewer CDL instruction hours than it had contractually promised for completing the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Entry-Level Driver Training curriculum requirements.
[Related: The problem with truck driver training: School owner urges stronger regs, audits]
MDOS also allegedly allowed students to sign or initial training documents containing blank fields that the school later completed.
Michigan officials also alleged the school failed to have a written agreement with students before instruction began, allowed individuals who were not the owner or designated representative of the school to sign student contracts, failed to maintain required student records, and kept records somewhere other than its established office location as required.
MDOS noted the investigation of the school is ongoing, and no classes or other instruction may be held during the suspension period.
MDOS inspects and investigates driver education providers and instructors to ensure compliance with DEPIA. Anyone who has concerns regarding Detroit Training Center Inc. or another Michigan driver education provider can file a complaint online.
[Related: CDL schools fire back after Texas AG accuses them of certifying unqualified drivers]
Kenworth offering discount for OOIDA members
Kenworth and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) will provide a $1,000 savings to OOIDA members on qualifying purchases of new Kenworth sleeper trucks during 2026.
Eligible trucks are the Kenworth T680, T880, W990 and soon-retiring W900 with a 52-inch or larger factory-installed sleeper. Both new stock and custom-order vehicles qualify.
“This program reflects Kenworth’s appreciation for OOIDA members who choose a premium Kenworth truck, engineered to help drivers feel at home wherever the road takes them,” said Kevin Haygood, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing.
Buyers must show their OOIDA membership card to their Kenworth dealer at time of purchase, before Dec. 31, 2026. A copy of the bill of sale and warranty, along with the buyer’s OOIDA membership number, must be mailed to: OOIDA, P.O. Box 1000, Grain Valley, MO 64029, or faxed to OOIDA at (816) 229-0518.
Limit for a single customer is three qualifying Kenworth trucks per year. Other limitations apply on the Kenworth rebate program. See your Kenworth dealer for more details.
