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,...