New English Proficiency Enforcement: What Trucking Companies Must Know Before June 25

The trucking industry is once again at the center of national regulatory change, as the current administration moves to strengthen enforcement of long-standing English language requirements for commercial drivers.  Two recent executive orders—one declaring English the official language of the U.S., and another directing the Department of Transportation (DOT) to enforce existing English proficiency laws—are poised to reshape hiring practices and operational standards across the trucking sector.

With the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) voting to reinstate English language violations as grounds for placing drivers out of service, the new policy will officially take effect on June 25, 2025.  For carriers already navigating a severe driver shortage, this added enforcement could significantly impact driver availability, route coverage, and overall capacity.

What Changed?

The new executive orders from the current administration do not create a new law; rather, they reinvigorate enforcement of a rule that’s been in place since 1937.  Under 49 CFR §391.11(b)(2), commercial drivers are required to "read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, understand highway traffic signs and signals, respond to official inquiries, and make entries on reports and records."

Enforcement of this rule had softened in 2014 under the Obama administration, when the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) directed inspectors to cite—but not sideline—drivers with language deficiencies.  Violations dropped significantly, and no drivers were placed out of service solely for failing to meet the English standard.

That’s about to change.

What Happens on June 25?

Starting June 25, inspectors will have the authority to immediately place drivers out of service during roadside inspections if they are unable to demonstrate English proficiency.

Key implications include:

  • Loss of active drivers: According to insurance experts, up to 10% of CDL holders may not meet the enforced English standard.  That could mean more than 300,000 drivers potentially sidelined in an already strained labor market.
  • Delays and disruptions: Fewer available drivers could lead to delivery delays, higher freight rates, and reduced reliability for time-sensitive or high-value shipments.
  • Administrative burden: Companies will need to reassess onboarding, training, and compliance processes, particularly for foreign-born drivers and those on visa programs such as H-2B or EB-3.

Visa Programs in Jeopardy?

While the previous administration expanded visa access for truckers, the current administration’s renewed focus on language and immigration policies casts doubt on whether that flexibility will remain.

H-2B drivers—typically brought in for seasonal or high-demand needs—are often supported by employers who cover the cost of travel, housing, and visa fees.  Similarly, EB-3 visas, used to fill long-term roles, can take years to process.  Companies relying on these workers must now ensure language proficiency is a core part of the screening process or risk compliance failures that lead to delivery disruptions and regulatory penalties.

Industry Reaction: Support vs. Concern

The response within the trucking industry has been sharply divided.

Supporters, such as the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), argue that enforcing English proficiency improves road safety, simplifies post-accident investigations, and minimizes miscommunication during inspections and emergency situations.

Critics, however, see the policy as a distraction from more urgent issues like:

  • Distracted driving and outdated tech regulations
  • Inconsistent drug and alcohol testing enforcement
  • Unmonitored license suspensions
  • Gaps in mandatory behind-the-wheel training

Furthermore, critics highlight that language proficiency enforcement is inherently subjective, raising concerns about bias or inconsistent interpretation during inspections across different jurisdictions.

Employer To-Do List: Prepare Now

Companies should begin taking proactive steps to ensure their drivers—and their operations—are not caught off guard when the enforcement takes effect.

1. Assess English Proficiency

Begin internal audits of current drivers' language skills.  Consider deploying standardized assessments or mock inspections to identify at-risk employees.

2. Provide Language Support

Offer on-the-job English training or subsidized ESL (English as a Second Language) courses for drivers who may need help reaching compliance standards.

3. Revise Hiring Practices

Ensure new hires—especially those recruited through visa programs—meet English standards from the start.  Add language screening to the interview process and consider partnerships with training schools that provide bilingual support.

4. Review Visa Compliance

Work with immigration attorneys or specialists to review documentation and job roles for H-2B and EB-3 visa holders.  Ensure that all foreign-born employees can comply with the revised enforcement.

5. Communicate with Dispatch and Compliance Teams

Make sure internal teams understand the policy change and are prepared to respond quickly if a driver is placed out of service.

The Bigger Picture: Capacity Crunch Ahead?

With an estimated 80,000+ driver shortage already affecting the U.S. trucking industry, the new English proficiency crackdown could worsen an already fragile labor situation.

Companies must now weigh the cost of compliance and training against the risks of losing drivers, delaying freight, or paying more for replacements.  The challenge lies not just in meeting regulatory expectations but in doing so while maintaining operational efficiency and customer trust.

While the renewed focus on English proficiency highlights the importance of communication and road safety, it also brings with it a complex web of operational, legal, and workforce implications.

For trucking companies, the key to navigating this change lies in early preparation, fair evaluation, and strategic support for drivers.  Language matters—but so do the larger systems of training, safety oversight, and fleet management that underpin a safe and reliable trucking industry.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Shippers at Risk: Understanding Vicarious Liability in the Transport Industry

Could you imagine asking your boss for $23 million?   In a landmark 2004 case, C.H. Robinson, a third-party logistics provider, contracted Dragonfly Express to transport a shipment for one of their customers.   Unfortunately, the driver, who falsified logbook entries and drove at an unsafe speed, caused an accident resulting in two fatalities and a serious injury.   Despite C.H. Robinson's defense that they were "not responsible for the actions of an independent contractor or its driver," the court held C.H. Robinson, the driver, and Dragonfly Express liable for over $23 million in damages. The Role of Vicarious Liability This case highlighted the doctrine of vicarious liability, which can extend responsibility beyond the carrier to other parties involved, including shippers.   Under vicarious liability, if a shipper acts as a principal, they can be held liable for the conduct of the carrier or broker acting as their agent.   This principle implies that ship...
Read more

The Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act: Empowering FMCSA to Combat Fraud

The trucking industry has long been vulnerable to fraudulent activities, particularly in the transportation of household goods.   To address this issue, a new legislative initiative—the Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act—has been introduced.   This bill aims to grant the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enhanced authority to protect consumers from fraud in the interstate transportation of household goods. Key Provisions of the Act 1.      Civil Penalties for Unregistered Shippers and Hostage Situations : The act empowers FMCSA to impose civil penalties on unregistered shippers and entities that hold consumers' personal goods hostage.   This authority is crucial for deterring fraudulent practices and ensuring consumer protection. 2.      State Reimbursement for Enforcing Federal Laws : The bill provides FMCSA with explicit authority to reimburse states for enforcing...
Read more

Ensuring Safety and Compliance: The Essentials of Hazmat Shipping

  The transportation of hazardous materials (hazmat) demands heightened care and precision due to the significant risks associated with accidents, spills, or theft.   Choosing the wrong hazmat-certified trucking carrier can lead to severe consequences, including accidents, environmental damage, and hefty fines for non-compliance with regulations.   The Importance of Compliance and Safety in Hazmat Shipping Transporting hazmat involves a unique set of responsibilities.   In the U.S., nearly 3.3 billion tons of hazmat products are transported annually.   Shippers must ensure these materials are handled, transported, stored, and disposed of safely and in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.   Failure to do so can result in significant liabilities, including cleanup costs, damage reparations, and penalties that can reach up to $25,000 per day. The Risks of Choosing the Wrong Carrier When arranging transportation, it is crucial to pla...
Read more