Could New Language Rules Worsen the U.S. Truck Driver Shortage?

As the U.S. trucking industry continues to struggle with a persistent driver shortage, new legislation focused on English language requirements is stirring up controversy and many insiders fear it could make the situation worse.

A Shortage That Won’t Let Up

The driver shortage remains one of the most pressing challenges in the industry. Carriers across the country are already struggling to fill seats, with high turnover rates and an aging workforce compounding the problem. A significant portion of the current workforce consists of immigrant drivers, many of whom speak English as a second language.

Now, a new wave of proposals may threaten to shrink the labor pool even further.

The Push for English-Only Driving Standards

In recent weeks, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has called for stricter enforcement of English language proficiency standards for commercial drivers citing public safety as a top concern. She’s publicly endorsed federal efforts to tighten CDL requirements and crack down on what she calls “loopholes” that allow drivers who can't communicate effectively in English to operate on U.S. roads.

Meanwhile, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) introduced the WEIGH Act (H.R. 5177) a bill that would require states to install new CDL compliance checks at weigh stations along interstate highways. The act would also verify a driver’s ability to speak English and review licensing status. If states fail to comply, they could risk losing federal transportation funding.

Industry Warning: This Could Backfire

While supporters argue these measures will enhance safety and national security, many in the trucking industry are sounding the alarm.

Carriers say the proposed changes could disqualify thousands of experienced drivers many of whom have driven safely for years but don’t speak fluent English.

“We’re not saying safety isn’t important,” one fleet manager in California said. “But if these rules take effect without flexibility or support, we’re going to see capacity drop fast and that affects everyone.”

Immigrant Drivers at Risk

Organizations representing immigrant workers say the push for English-only enforcement is unfairly targeting foreign-born drivers who already face significant challenges in the industry.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 20% of U.S. truck drivers are immigrants many of whom are legal residents with clean driving records. Critics argue that these proposals amount to a form of discrimination that could destabilize the labor market and create unnecessary legal battles.

No Support for Language Transition

Another concern: there's no clear plan for how drivers will be expected to meet the proposed standards. There’s been no funding or guidance for English language training or a transition period.

“This feels more like a crackdown than a solution,” one trucker told CDL Life. “If you want safer roads, help us don’t just punish us.”

Potential Supply Chain Impacts

Industry analysts are already warning that, if these proposals move forward without adjustment, delivery delays, rate hikes, and further stress on freight capacity are likely to follow. With the holiday shipping season just around the corner, the timing couldn't be worse.

California’s Zero-Emission Truck Mandate: What It Means for the Future of Freight

California is once again leading the way in clean transportation policy. With its Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule and Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, the state is requiring that by 2035, at least 50% of all heavy-duty trucks sold must be zero-emission. This bold move signals a dramatic shift for the freight industry, one that will ripple through manufacturers, carriers, drivers, and supply chains nationwide.

Why California Is Pushing This

• Climate goals: Heavy duty trucks make up a small share of vehicles on the road but are responsible for a disproportionate share of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

• Public health: Communities near freight corridors and ports often low-income and minority neighborhoods suffer from higher rates of asthma and other respiratory illnesses due to diesel exhaust.

• Technology momentum: With electric and hydrogen fuel cell trucks advancing rapidly, policymakers see an opportunity to accelerate adoption.

What the Mandate Requires

• 2035 Target: 50% of new heavy-duty truck sales must be zero emission.

• 2027–2032 EPA Standards: Complementary federal rules are pushing stricter emissions reductions across all states, amplifying California’s impact.

• Fleet Rules: Large fleets operating in the state will be required to start reporting and transitioning to cleaner options.

Opportunities for the Industry

• Innovation boom: OEMs (like Daimler, Volvo, and Tesla) are already scaling up production of battery electric and hydrogen Class 8 trucks.

• Infrastructure investment: Billions in funding are earmarked for charging and hydrogen refueling stations across California.

• Cost savings: While upfront costs are high, zero emission trucks have lower maintenance and fuel expenses, which could reduce lifetime operating costs.

Challenges Ahead

• Infrastructure gap: Charging and hydrogen fueling networks are still limited, particularly for long-haul routes.

• Vehicle costs: Zero emission trucks remain significantly more expensive than diesel models.

• Grid demand: California’s electric grid will need upgrades to handle widespread truck charging.

• Driver adoption: Operators are wary of range limitations and charging downtime, especially in high-pressure freight markets.

National Implications

Because California often sets trends in U.S. environmental regulation, other states are expected to follow. Already, over a dozen states have signed on to California’s Multi-State ZEV MOU, committing to similar targets. Trucking companies operating interstate will need to adapt, regardless of their home state.

Burmese Python Pulled From Semi Truck Engine in Miami-Dade

Miami Firefighters Removal Python From Semi Truck

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s Venom One team responded to a bizarre emergency when a truck driver found a Burmese python inside his semi-truck engine.

Lt. Jolie Vandervlught carefully Miami python removal the snake from the tractor trailer’s engine bay in a rescue caught on video. The animal was secured without injuries to firefighters, by standers, or the driver.

Two Python Incidents in 24 Hours

Officials reported two python rescues in two days:

• Aug 23: Python found in a semi-truck near SW 248 Street.

• Aug 24: Another python discovered in a backyard near NW 62 Terrace.

Both were safely removed by Venom One.

Invasive Species Threat

Burmese pythons are a major invasive species in South Florida, preying on native wildlife and disrupting the ecosystem. Sightings rise in summer, and encounters near urban areas are becoming more common even on highways and in vehicles.

Safety Reminder

Authorities urge residents and truckers:

• Do not attempt to capture pythons

• Call wildlife officials immediately

• Stay at a safe distance until trained teams arrive

This python in a semi-truck engine highlights the unusual challenges drivers and residents face in South Florida. Thanks to Miami-Dade’s Venom One, both incidents ended safely.