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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.

 
 
 

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