New US bill demands English proficiency for truck drivers

In the United States, new regulations for truck drivers are being implemented as part of an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. This order emphasizes the necessity of English proficiency for those who operate commercial vehicles. Guidelines from the Department of Transportation have expanded to include rigorous checks on drivers' ability to understand and respond to commands in English, which began to take effect recently. This change was influenced by various safety incidents attributed to language barriers. As a result, trucking schools, like those in New Jersey and Detroit, are now incorporating English language training into their curricula. Instructors teach students how to perform vehicle inspections and safety checks in their native languages before offering English explanations. Many drivers expressed concerns that these stringent requirements could exacerbate the ongoing truck driver shortage, which is already causing significant issues within the supply chain. Furthermore, legislation has been proposed in the U.S. Senate aimed at reinforcing these language requirements for commercial driver's licenses (CDLs). The bill, known as the Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act, proposes additional tests for reading and speaking English for prospective truck drivers. Supporters argue that anyone driving on American roads, particularly those in large trucks, should be able to understand crucial roadway signs and communicate effectively with law enforcement. The push for English proficiency testing has gained momentum since the Trump administration, reflecting ongoing concerns about road safety and operational effectiveness in the logistics industry. The estimated gap of approximately 160,000 truck drivers by 2030 raises further alarm, especially considering that around 3 million drivers in the U.S. might not be proficient in English. The implications of these developments will likely shape not only the future of the trucking industry but also the broader logistics and supply chain sectors.