New English Rule Reshapes U.S. Trucking

On April 28, 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14286, reinstating strict enforcement of English proficiency standards for commercial truck drivers in the United States. This move has reignited a debate across the logistics and transportation sectors regarding safety, labor policy, immigration, and the practical impacts of regulatory enforcement. The directive, set to take effect on June 25, empowers Department of Transportation officials to immediately remove drivers from service if they cannot demonstrate adequate English comprehension during roadside inspections. For an industry still reeling from the effects of what has come to be known as the Great Freight Recession, the implications are far-reaching.

The Great Freight Recession, which began in March 2022, marks the most severe and prolonged downturn in the history of U.S. trucking. A combination of pandemic-induced demand spikes, government stimulus programs, and easy credit conditions encouraged thousands of new entrants into the industry. Small operators, many with minimal oversight or experience, flooded the market during a period when freight rates were unusually high. As conditions normalized and consumer demand softened, the market found itself oversaturated with capacity, causing rates to plummet and margins to evaporate. Trucking companies, both large and small, were forced into survival mode, slashing expenses wherever possible.

For many operators, the highest cost line on their balance sheet was driver wages. Some attempted to cut wages, but resistance from experienced and documented drivers made this route difficult. As a result, many smaller firms began hiring undocumented workers or individuals holding foreign Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) that had not been verified through the U.S. testing process. In some states, foreign CDLs were accepted without robust documentation of experience or qualifications. Compounding the issue, language barriers created substantial communication challenges, especially during emergencies or interactions with law enforcement.

The return to strict enforcement of English-language requirements, a regulation that has existed for decades but was loosely applied in recent years, represents a substantial shift in federal oversight. Federal law mandates that commercial drivers be able to read and speak English well enough to communicate with the public, understand traffic signs and signals, respond to official inquiries, and fill out reports. During the Obama administration, violations of this rule were typically met with citations. Under the new directive, those same violations will now result in drivers being taken off the road immediately.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described the measure as a necessary course correction, emphasizing that public safety must be the top priority. His department is introducing a two-step roadside test: an interview to assess conversational ability and a recognition assessment for highway signage. Critics, however, argue that the standard for enforcement remains subjective, and without uniform training for inspectors, the policy may be applied unevenly, potentially leading to discrimination.

Advocacy groups representing immigrant drivers, including those of Sikh and Punjabi descent, have voiced concern that this policy could disproportionately impact communities who have historically made up a significant portion of the trucking workforce. Many of these individuals entered the field because it offered immediate work opportunities, often with on-the-job training and a path to financial stability. However, under the new policy, even minor miscommunications or nervousness during an inspection could result in a driver being pulled off the road and possibly losing their job.

For companies that rely on these workers, this creates new challenges. The trucking industry already faces a long-standing labor shortage. According to industry analysts, the number of drivers has not kept pace with demand for freight movement, particularly in high-density corridors and long-haul routes. The enforcement of English proficiency rules, while well-intentioned from a safety perspective, could exacerbate the shortage by sidelining a segment of the workforce.

That said, many in the industry support the move. Associations like the American Trucking Associations (ATA) have long advocated for more consistent enforcement of regulations. They argue that a lack of oversight and lax enforcement of English requirements created a two-tiered system: one where compliant companies that hire certified, documented drivers are placed at a disadvantage compared to operators who circumvent the rules. By holding all drivers to the same standards, proponents argue that the government is leveling the playing field and prioritizing road safety.

There is also a growing consensus that part of the problem stems from the inconsistent administration of CDLs at the state level. Some states have issued licenses to drivers who have not undergone rigorous testing or verification of credentials. In response, the Department of Transportation is expected to initiate a review of how CDLs, particularly for non-domiciled drivers, are issued and verified across the country. This could ultimately lead to national reforms that standardize testing and documentation requirements.

The challenge now lies in balancing the need for regulatory enforcement with the realities of the labor market. For many immigrant drivers, trucking has been a lifeline—a job that provides income, mobility, and in some cases, even housing. Many live in their trucks and send money home to support families abroad. Removing drivers from service without a clear path to compliance or improvement may inadvertently push them toward more precarious employment or out of the industry entirely.

Furthermore, the implementation timeline is tight. Carriers have only a few weeks to evaluate their current driver rosters, provide additional training if necessary, and ensure compliance. Some firms may need to develop English language training programs or partner with local institutions to offer classes. Others may face difficult decisions about terminating drivers who fail to meet the new standards.

Enforcement must also avoid being perceived as arbitrary or prejudicial. If inspectors disproportionately target individuals based on appearance, accent, or national origin, the rule could face legal challenges. Advocacy groups have called for clear enforcement guidelines and federally mandated training for inspectors to ensure consistency and prevent abuse.

There is also the question of technology. As trucks become more autonomous and logistics more digitized, some suggest that the focus should shift toward investing in systems that support safe driving regardless of language. Translation tools, digital signage, and real-time voice interpretation technologies may help bridge the communication gap in the future, though such solutions remain largely conceptual at present.

From a business perspective, many logistics companies are adopting a cautious stance. Carriers are concerned about potential service disruptions, particularly during the enforcement rollout. Delays, rerouting, or driver shortages could impact delivery schedules and raise operational costs. Freight brokers and shippers are likewise watching the situation closely, as capacity constraints could lead to rate volatility or tighter availability of trucks in some lanes.

PNG Logistics Co. is among the industry participants closely monitoring the situation. While we recognize the importance of safety and regulatory compliance, we are also aware of the potential operational impacts this policy may have. Our commitment is to keep customers informed and ensure that freight movement remains uninterrupted, regardless of the changing regulatory environment.

The enforcement of English proficiency rules for truck drivers presents a complex landscape. It is a step toward standardization and safety, but it also carries risks of exclusion, disruption, and possible legal disputes. The coming months will reveal whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, and how effectively the industry can adapt to the new rules of the road.