Roll out the red carpet — but this time, it's not for Hollywood's finest. Instead, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), is taking center stage with its annual discretionary grant awards. Just as movies captivate audiences with gripping narratives and top-notch performances, FMCSA grants are awarded to projects that play a role in making our roads safer and our commercial drivers more prepared.

Think of it as the Oscars of highway safety, where the brightest initiatives and innovations involving large commercial trucks and buses get their moment in the spotlight. And instead of gold statues, 2024 award recipients will receive millions in grants. These organizations include states, local and tribal governments, courts, law enforcement agencies, non-profits, and academic institutions across the country.

These funds are dedicated to improving safety in work zones, rural areas, and high crash corridors. The grants assist highway safety stakeholders in promoting commercial vehicle safety, adding more licensed commercial truck and bus drivers, deploying technology, and preventing human trafficking.

Unfamiliar with FMCSA grants? Picture how they compare to well-known movie genres:

1. Commercial Driver License Program Implementation Grant (CDLPI)

The CDLPI grant is focused on the execution and improvement of the national Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program, including ensuring compliance with federal regulations governing the CDL program. Like a blockbuster that sweeps the country, this grant has a nationwide mission of “One Driver – One License – One Record.” This adds a layer of safety, making it more difficult for commercial drivers with program violations originating in one state to conceal it from another state and evade driving prohibition. The “studios” of CDLPI safety are state driver’s license agencies, local, state and tribal governments that implement commercial driver’s license programs, educational institutions and not profit organizations.

2. Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training Grant (CMVOST)

The CMVOST grant is the FMCSA’s version of this genre, funding training programs that educate and prepare commercial drivers, especially veterans and individuals from underrepresented communities. CMVOST’s purpose is to increase the number of CDL holders who have received enhanced operator safety training. While individuals are not eligible, educational institutions recognized by the U.S. Departments of Education, Labor and Veterans Affairs can apply. It’s all about learning, inclusion, and giving everyone a chance to star in the commercial transportation industry.

3. High Priority Innovative Technology Deployment Grant (HP-ITD)

For those who love futuristic sci-fi thrillers, filled with high-tech gadgets and groundbreaking innovations, the HP-ITD grant is the perfect match. This grant is all about developing and deploying advanced technologies, bringing intelligent transportation systems and other innovations to our highways. From automated enforcement systems to real-time data analytics, these projects are the vanguard of safety, ensuring that technology keeps us one step ahead of the next potential hazard. It’s the cutting-edge side of FMCSA’s grant awards, where safety meets innovation.

4. High Priority Commercial Motor Vehicle Grant (HP-CMV)

Think of films from independent studios— a wide range of creative, impactful, budget-conscious projects. The HP-CMV grant mirrors this spirit, funding state and local projects that improve CMV safety, increase public awareness, conduct safety data improvement projects, and develop new technologies. Like indie films, HP-CMV grant projects can create a lasting impression.

A round of applause for grant awardees

Whether it’s running a CDL training program, implementing high-tech solutions, or working on a local safety initiative, FMCSA grant projects strengthen America’s supply chains and support the workers who keep our economy moving.

Click to learn more and find out how you can apply for these prestigious grants and receive FMCSA’s grant funding to greenlight your organization’s project.