A new executive order from President Donald Trump, effective Wednesday, has sparked widespread concern across the U.S. trucking industry. The rule mandates that commercial drivers must demonstrate English proficiency or risk being deemed unfit for service—raising fears about job security, bias, and inconsistent enforcement.
Here’s what you need to know:
🔍 What the New Rule Says
- Executive Order Scope:
- Drivers unable to read, speak, and understand English fluently will be disqualified from operating commercial vehicles.
- Applies to both truck and bus drivers in interstate commerce.
- DOT Enforcement Guidelines:
- Drivers must communicate with inspectors, understand traffic signs, and follow roadside directions without the use of translation apps, cue cards, or interpreters.
- Return to “Out-of-Service” Penalties:
- Reverses 2016 guidance that allowed citations without removing drivers from service.
- Drivers failing to meet the standard can be placed out of service until the issue is resolved.
🚚 Impact on Truckers and Training Schools
- CDL Training Adjustments:
- Trucking schools like Driving Academy in New Jersey are ramping up English language training using printed scripts, bilingual instruction, and practice interviews.
- Schools are advising truckers to watch training videos or use language apps to strengthen their English on the road.
- Community Support:
- In Laredo, Texas, the Laredo Motor Carriers Association now offers free weekend ESL classes.
- Co-owner of GTR Trucking School in Detroit plans to distribute phrasebooks for essential trucker communication.
😟 Growing Concerns from the Trucking Community
- Fear of Job Loss or Misjudgment:
- Many truckers, especially immigrants and ESL speakers, worry that accents or nerves during inspections may result in unfair disqualification.
- Truckers practicing Sikhism or from Spanish-speaking backgrounds express concern about potential bias or misinterpretation.
- Subjective Enforcement Fears:
- The Transportation Department redacted the section detailing how inspectors determine language proficiency.
- Inspectors are expected to ask about documents, trip origins/destinations, and duty hours—but clarity is lacking.
- Worker Discrimination:
- Advocacy groups like Sikh Coalition warn that non-standardized assessments may disproportionately impact religious minorities and ESL drivers.
🚦Industry Perspectives
- Mixed Reactions:
- Some truckers agree that reading road signs and understanding instructions is critical for safety.
- Others believe the rules are overly punitive and may unfairly target non-native English speakers.
- OOIDA’s Take:
- Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association supports enforcement, citing past incidents where a lack of English skills led to safety risks (e.g., hitting bridges due to unread signs).
As the English language rule for truckers takes effect, the industry is bracing for both legal and operational challenges. Trucking schools, carriers, and advocacy groups are now racing to support ESL drivers amid growing concerns of discrimination, training gaps, and job loss.
Source:
https://apnews.com/article/truck-drivers-english-language-required-92c733048e85c34b1822cc4403eaf262
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