This enforcement follows an executive order directing FMCSA to fully restore English proficiency as a safety qualification. According to FreightWaves and FMCSA reports, nearly 10% of the active driver base could be at risk of temporary removal, a factor already contributing to tighter capacity and higher freight rates across the U.S. logistics network.​

How Fleets Are Responding

Forward-thinking fleets are acting quickly to keep their operations compliant and recruiting pipelines strong. Carriers are introducing new English assessment and support initiatives, such as:

• Language training programs: Bilingual drivers are being offered on-the-job English refresher courses through mobile-based platforms and video apps, reducing the risk of out-of-service orders.​
• Digital recruiting and onboarding tools: Fleets are integrating automated recruiting platforms that screen for English proficiency as part of the hiring process, helping reduce recruitment delays and paperwork.​
• Mentorship and peer coaching: Veteran drivers fluent in English are helping train newcomers in communication and documentation standards required by inspectors.
• Community outreach: Fleets are connecting with local CDL schools, particularly those serving immigrant and multilingual worker populations, to ensure new drivers meet federal standards before entering the field.​

The Broader Workforce Challenge

According to Tech.co’s 2025 Logistics Report. With drivers aging out and younger replacements entering at slower rates, fleets can’t afford to lose even small portions of qualified personnel.​

Some carriers have begun offsetting this shortage through route optimization and scheduling flexibility, allowing more frequent home time to attract and retain talent. Others are adopting predictive maintenance and telematics solutions to curb costs and improve driver satisfaction amid a tighter labor pool.​

Action Steps for Fleet Operators

To stay compliant and competitive in this environment, fleets should prioritize three steps:

1. Conduct internal English assessments for existing drivers and offer improvement resources where needed. Proactive testing can prevent costly roadside removals.
2. Enhance recruiting efforts by forming partnerships with trade schools, community programs, and workforce agencies specializing in licensed CDL talent.
3. Use technology and automation to streamline hiring, safety documentation, and driver support—reducing downtime and improving compliance oversight.

Preparing for a New Standard

The U.S. Department of Transportation has made it clear: states that fail to enforce English proficiency can face federal funding consequences, amplifying the need for national adherence. That means fleet managers must now think beyond short-term recruitment—they must build pipelines of qualified drivers ready to meet evolving federal and operational standards.​

As America’s trucking industry moves nearly 70% of the nation’s freight, understanding and responding to these requirements isn’t just a matter of compliance; it’s essential to keeping freight moving. TruckDriversUSA partners with fleets to analyze driver pipelines, recruit compliant candidates, and help ensure continuity in a changing regulatory era.

Source: Tech.co, FMCSA, FREIGHTWAVES

The post How Prepared Is Your Driver Pipeline for Ongoing FMCSA English Language Enforcement? appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“This expansion represents a natural evolution for FTA as we continue to strengthen our advocacy reach and impact,” said Alix Miller, president and CEO of FTA. “The moving industry shares our commitment to highway safety, professional standards, and advocacy before regulatory agencies and lawmakers. We’ve already stood shoulder-to-shoulder with professional movers on critical issues like advocating for quality moving services for military families and addressing concerns with the Department of Defense’s Global Household Goods Contract Program.”

With this integration, FTA has launched a new Moving and Storage Council, designed to represent the unique needs of moving companies while leveraging FTA’s existing relationships with state and federal policymakers. According to FTA, the council positions the organization as the unified voice for Florida’s broader transportation and logistics industries.

The Moving and Storage Council

The council will concentrate on advocacy and professional development tailored specifically to moving and storage companies. Members can access FTA’s experience in regulatory reform, safety initiatives, and legislative achievements, as well as its extensive professional network.

“We are confident that this transition will help strengthen and elevate Florida’s moving and storage industry for years to come,” said Gloria Pugh, former president of the Professional Movers Association of Florida and current president of AMWAT Moving, Warehousing, Storage. “FTA’s comprehensive approach to advocacy, from fighting lawsuit abuse, workforce development initiatives, and successfully advocating for federal and state issues, directly addresses challenges our industry faces daily.”

Former members of the Professional Movers Association of Florida bring established standards, educational tools, consumer protection efforts, and expertise in running successful moving operations while maintaining strong community engagement. According to FTA, this experience enriches the association’s membership and broadens its perspective.

“I am confident this new chapter will provide the advocacy, resources, and community our industry needs to adapt, grow, and continue delivering the high-quality, professional moving services Florida families and businesses deserve,” said Guy Maman of Forward Van Lines.

Supporting Florida’s Transportation Sector

“This expansion strengthens our ability to serve all sectors of Florida’s transportation industry,” Miller said. “Whether you’re hauling agricultural products, operating a fleet of moving trucks, or providing logistics services, FTA offers comprehensive resources in the state with advocacy, safety, and professional and workforce development.”

The Moving and Storage Council will be incorporated into FTA’s committee structure alongside the Safety Management Council, Technology and Maintenance Council, and other initiatives that have historically helped members improve safety and professionalism on Florida’s roads.

Source: The Trucker

The post Florida Trucking Association Expands to Include Professional Movers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

According to the declaration, the urgent need to transport live chickens across state lines from severely impacted regions has prompted this decision.

Several states, including California, Iowa, and Louisiana, had previously issued state-level emergency declarations regarding the bird flu. These states remain hotspots for ongoing concerns about public safety and food security. Additionally, bird flu-related risks have recently emerged in other states, further escalating the situation.

Relief for Emergency Transport Operations

The FMCSA’s declaration provides regulatory flexibility specifically for commercial motor vehicles involved in emergency support efforts. These vehicles are tasked with transporting live chickens from regions hit hardest by the bird flu outbreak to areas unaffected by the disease.

This exemption is solely for emergency transport. Routine commercial shipments, including those with minimal quantities of emergency relief supplies meant to qualify for the declaration, are not covered.

Revised Driving Regulations for Relief Efforts

To prioritize safety while ensuring timely delivery, the FMCSA has outlined specific conditions under which the usual driving time restrictions are suspended for drivers involved in emergency relief operations. These include:

• Motor carriers must secure an agreement from the receiving facility confirming that the live chickens will be accepted prior to dispatch.

• Drivers may not exceed 16 hours of driving within any 24-hour period.

• All driving must cease at 12 a.m. (midnight) each day.

• A minimum rest period of six hours in a sleeper berth is required before resuming driving.

• Drivers must use paper logs for tracking duty status and maintain all supporting documentation.

• Drivers must hold a valid commercial driver’s license and must not be under an out-of-service order or suspended driving privileges.

Additionally, motor carriers or drivers currently under an out-of-service order are not eligible for regulatory relief until their order is rescinded. Compliance with all relevant state and federal regulations is also mandatory.

Before beginning transport, motor carriers and drivers must ensure they have the necessary permits and approvals for the loading, transport, and delivery of live poultry.

Transitioning Back to Normal Operations

Once drivers complete emergency relief efforts, they must take a mandatory 10-hour rest break if their combined emergency and normal operations driving time reaches or exceeds 14 hours.

Declaration Valid Through March 10

The FMCSA’s regional emergency declaration will remain active until March 10, 2025, unless extended or otherwise modified.

Source: Land Line

The post FMCSA Issues Regional Emergency Declaration for Bird Flu Response appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Why You Should Attend

This year’s agenda is packed with informative sessions designed to enhance your operational strategies and industry knowledge. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store:

The Power of Benchmarking for Operational Excellence

Benchmarking is a powerful tool for organizations striving to boost performance and meet strategic goals. During this session, executives from TCA member companies will share their experiences and insights on how benchmarking has helped them achieve significant improvements. They will discuss benefits such as enhanced performance, gaining a competitive edge, effective goal setting, and strategic development.

The panel will be moderated by TCA President Jim Ward and features industry leaders like Trevor Kurtz from Brian Kurtz Trucking, Kevin Erb from Erb Transport Ltd., and Dave Martin from Bison Transport.

Navigating the Freight Market and Preparing for Future Opportunities

This segment is tailored for both small/medium-sized carriers and larger organizations, offering insights from C-level executives on navigating the current freight market. Attendees will learn about effective strategies that have helped companies weather challenges and set themselves up for future success.

The Small Carrier Panel, moderated by Peter Stefanovich of Left Lane Associates, includes experts like Mark Bylsma from Spring Creek Carriers Inc., Julie Tanguay from EG Gray Transportation, and James Steed from Steed Standard Transport Ltd. Meanwhile, the Large Carrier Panel, moderated by John G. Smith from Newcom Media Inc., features insights from David Tumber of Kriska Transportation Group, Craig Germain of XTL Transport Inc., and Steve Brookshaw of TFI International.

Stay Informed with the Economic Update

Gain valuable perspectives on recent economic data from Nathan Janzen, assistant chief economist at RBC. His expertise in macroeconomic analysis will provide essential insights into developments affecting both Canada and the U.S. trucking industries.

Latest Regulatory and Safety Insights

TCA’s senior vice president of safety and government affairs, Dave Heller, will present the latest updates on regulatory compliance and safety issues. He will also discuss implications from the U.S. presidential election and how these results may impact the trucking sector.

For more information or to secure your spot, visit truckloadbbb.com.

Source: The Trucker

The post Get Ready for TCA’s Bridging Border Barriers Event on November 20 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted the dual focus of this initiative, stating, “Two of our Department’s top priorities are improving safety on our roadways and strengthening supply chains, and today’s awards will help with both.”

Here’s a breakdown of the FMCSA’s grant allocations:

• $88 Million in High Priority Grants: This initiative includes the HP-Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) grants and the HP-Innovative Technology Deployment (ITD) grants. The HP-CMV grants are designed to bolster state-level commercial vehicle safety measures. Meanwhile, the HP-ITD grants aim to enhance states’ technological capabilities through intelligent transportation systems for CMV operations. Full details on this year’s recipients for both HP-CMV and HP-ITD grants can be found here.

• $55 Million Dedicated to CDL Program Enhancement: This funding targets the improvement of state CDL programs by mitigating wait times, ensuring efficient data exchange for convictions and disqualifications, adhering to regulatory standards, combating human trafficking, and meeting FMCSA compliance standards for driver’s license protocols. Additionally, the CDLPI grants support entities engaged in national projects that assist states in meeting compliance requirements, thereby refining the overall national CDL program. A comprehensive list of this year’s CDLPI grant beneficiaries is available here.

In summary, more than half of the FMCSA’s annual budget is directed towards empowering states and local communities to enhance commercial motor vehicle safety.

Source: Truckers News

Image: Progressive

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