Photo by Ivan Shilov on Unsplash
President Donald Trump recently signed an Executive Order to ensure commercial drivers in the US, specifically those with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), are fluent in English. The EO reinforces the crucial role trucking plays in the American economy and way of life and lists a number of situations why truck drivers must know proficient English.
The Executive Order lists traffic signs, communication with traffic safety, border patrols, agricultural checkpoints, cargo weigh stations, and feedback to employers and customers as reasons why drivers themselves must be able to communicate clearly with their fellow English-speaking Americans.
The main requirement is that all CDL holders be able to speak in English, which includes being able to read traffic signs, adhere to written directions, and effectively communicate in public safety situations. The Order places Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in charge of the proficiency requirements.
All drivers who are applying for or renewing their CDL must comply with the new requirement. According to the directive, during the licensing procedure, candidates must prove that they are proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English.
Additionally, drivers who are renewing their CDL will have their English proficiency reviewed. As part of the renewal procedure, a driver may be asked to retake the language exams if there is any reason to be concerned about their proficiency. There may be some exclusions, such as for drivers with illnesses that impair their language skills or for specific
Enhancing safety, ensuring clear communication on the road, and ensuring that all drivers can comprehend and adhere to regulations are the stated goals of the Executive Order. Additionally, the order could reduce the illegal practice of hiring Mexican B-1 drivers for domestic trucking. The order has been criticized, meanwhile, for alienating American residents who are foreign-born, who make up a sizable portion of the American trucking industry.
When drivers who are not proficient in English are removed from the workforce, this may reduce the overall labor pool. This may result in trucking companies raising wages in competition for the existing pool of working drivers. Those costs could result in higher freight rates which get passed onto consumers.