Commercial Trucking Transportation Consultant Donald Hess

DLH Associates specializes in Commercial Driver Training, including behind the wheel and classroom, curriculum, course design, course certifications and accreditation, and student evaluation and assessment.

Proper commercial driver training is critical in preparing safety-conscious and well-prepared drivers. Many are surprised to learn that there are very few state regulations requiring any training whatsoever for new/entry-level drivers, and the recently passed federal rule contains no required minimum number of hours for the knowledge or behind-the-wheel portions of any of the individual training curricula, but training providers must determine that each CDL applicant demonstrates proficiency in all required elements of the training in order to successfully complete the program.

Donald L. Hess, President of DLH Associates, Inc., has over 25 years of experience in training drivers, authoring classroom and range material, designing and administering training courses and programs, and visiting and evaluating well over 100 commercial driving schools to determine eligibility for Professional Truck Driver Institute course certification.

With well over one million miles of safe cross-country trucking experience, followed by over 20 years as a driver trainer and creator / administrator of commercial driving programs, Mr. Hess is well-qualified to provide analysis of what drivers are trained to do in specific situations and circumstances, what federal and state regulations call for and require, and all aspects of the safe and proper operation of commercial motor vehicles. 

Mr. Hess has been nationally-recognized as a leader in safety and training issues, is a recipient of the American Trucking Associations Million Mile Safe Driving award, and was recipient of the Truckload Carriers Association Lee Crittenden award. Over his long and successful career in trucking and education, he has held numerous national board and officer positions in trucking and education.

View Donald L. Hess' Expert Witness Profile.