Trucking Industry Headlines: New Legislation Targets Supply Chain Crime, Medical Fraud, Speed Limiters, and English Proficiency

The trucking industry has found itself at the center of several legislative and regulatory shake-ups this month—each poised to impact drivers, companies, and the future of freight transportation in the U.S.  From fighting organized crime to blocking controversial mandates, here’s a breakdown of the key developments shaking up the roadways.

Freight Industry Backs Bill to Combat Cargo Theft & Supply Chain Crime

In a powerful show of unity, the freight industry is throwing its weight behind the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA)—a bipartisan bill designed to take on the alarming rise in cargo theft and supply chain fraud.

According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), theft-related crimes are costing the industry up to $35 billion annually, with the average value per theft now topping $200,000.  Strategic theft has skyrocketed 1,500% since early 2021, fueled by cyber schemes, double-brokering, and fraudulent freight pickups.

The bill proposes to:

  • Create an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center within DHS
  • Enhance multi-agency cooperation
  • Equip federal agencies with investigative tools to take down interstate and transnational crime rings

“This bill would strike an effective blow against organized crime,” said Chris Spear, ATA President and CEO.  “Truck drivers are being targeted, and it's raising costs for everyone.”

The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) and other industry leaders have voiced strong support for CORCA, recognizing its potential to safeguard drivers and stabilize freight operations across the country.

Over 15,000 Truckers Affected as FMCSA Voids Medical Certificates

In a move that could sideline thousands of drivers, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has voided over 15,000 Medical Examiner Certificates issued by two Houston-based doctors—Dr. Jenny Le and Dr. Dustin Mai—after investigations revealed they failed to properly evaluate drivers’ physical qualifications.

FMCSA warns that:

  • Drivers must obtain new valid MECs by May 10
  • Failure to do so will result in their CDLs being downgraded

While this doesn’t automatically disqualify drivers, it places a heavy burden on them to quickly find certified examiners, risking both income and delivery schedules.

“Maintaining the integrity of the medical certification process is critical to roadway safety,” said FMCSA Chief Counsel Jesse Elison.

This move underscores the need for tighter oversight of examiners and a stronger safety-first approach to CMV driver certification.

Arkansas Passes Law Requiring English Proficiency for CDL Holders

Arkansas has passed HB1745, a new law requiring commercial truck drivers to demonstrate sufficient English proficiency, or face penalties.

Under the new legislation, drivers must:

  • Read and understand highway signs in English
  • Converse with officials and the public
  • Make accurate entries in records and logs

Penalties include:

  • $500 fine for a first offense
  • $1,000 fine for subsequent offenses

The bill also cracks down on foreign-based drivers with fake CDLs or improper documentation, making such offenses Class D felonies.

“Arkansas is prioritizing road safety by ensuring all drivers can effectively communicate,” say proponents, though the law is drawing attention for potential implications on cross-border freight and foreign drivers.

OOIDA Supports DRIVE Act to Prevent Speed Limiter Mandate

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is backing the DRIVE Act, a bill that aims to prohibit federal mandates on speed limiters for large trucks.

OOIDA President Todd Spencer argued that speed limiters would force trucks to drive below the flow of traffic, increasing vehicle interactions and crash risk.

“Speed differentials create danger—not safety,” said Spencer. “This would be like turning highways into obstacle courses.”

The bill, introduced by Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK), is a direct response to past FMCSA proposals suggesting speed caps as low as 60 mph.  Brecheen, who has firsthand trucking experience, insists that states—not the federal government—should determine safe speeds.

The National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC) agrees, saying speed limiter mandates would increase congestion, driver impatience, and road rage, ultimately causing more harm than good.

Final Thoughts

The trucking industry is facing critical crossroads—where safety, regulation, and criminal activity intersect with real consequences for drivers and freight companies.  Whether it’s tightening up certification rules, pushing back on overreach, or fighting theft, the road ahead will be shaped by how swiftly and effectively these measures are implemented.

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