English Proficiency for Truckers: Now a Requirement
In a recent regulatory update that impacts commercial drivers across the U.S., President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday, April 29, 2025, requiring all commercial truck drivers to possess English proficiency. This new FMCSA compliance regulation is designed to lead trucking in a direction of improved auto transport safety, communication, and compliance within the trucking and transportation industry. The change to required English proficiency for truckers is especially geared towards critical sectors like auto transport and vehicle logistics.
We at Global Auto Transportation are here to break down what this new change means for commercial truckers, customers, and the future of nationwide auto transport services.
What Does the Trucker English Proficiency Executive Order Say?
President Trump’s trucker English proficiency order states that all commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators must have the ability to:
- Read and understand the meaning of road signs written in English
- Speak and be able to comprehend spoken English for communication with law enforcement
- Write and document necessary trucking paperwork, from shipping logs and delivery receipts to maintenance reports.
Not complying with these rules could lead to a truck driver being placed out of service by DOT officers or having their commercial driver’s license (CDL) status be put up for review.
Why English Proficiency for Truckers Matters in Auto Transport
At Global Auto Transportation, we specialize in coast-to-coast vehicle shipping, and the ability for truckers to easily understand routes with signs written in English, coordinate logistics, and communicate issues or delays is essential. Trucker English proficiency is essential in several areas such as:
- Customer Service: The more fluent a truck driver is in English, the better equipped they are to update auto shipping customers on delivery timelines, potential delays, and vehicle conditions.
- Emergency Situations: In high-stakes scenarios, the ability to communicate with law enforcement authorities or roadside assistance can reduce risks.
- Regulatory Paperwork: Auto transport includes essential paperwork, such as bills of lading, inspection forms, and compliance logs. These forms must be completed in English accurately.
Why This Change Was Introduced
According to the latest statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):
- Over 14% of commercial truck drivers in the United States are immigrants. Many of these drivers speak English as a second language with at minimum a basic level of proficiency.
- From 2018 to 2023, over 8,000 on-road violations were issued with their reasons being “inability to speak or understand English” during roadside inspections.
These statistics played a major role in the construction of the new trucker English proficiency regulations.
How Global Auto Transportation Is Responding
We here at Global Auto Transportation support both regulatory compliance and driver development. Here’s how we’re adapting to President Trump’s trucker English proficiency executive order:
- Driver Evaluations: All new truck drivers will be evaluated for English proficiency during the hiring process.
- Training Resources: For truckers who need the necessary improvement with their English proficiency, optional English language training courses will be available.
- Internal Audits: Routine checks will be carried out to ensure compliance with FMCSA regulations and now, presidential mandates.
What this Means for Our Customers
If you’re looking to ship your vehicle across the U.S., you can be rest assured that our drivers at Global Auto Transportation are trained, qualified, and compliant with the latest federal mandates. This executive order for English proficiency for truckers further ensures that your vehicle will be picked up and transported by transport professionals who can communicate efficiently, follow necessary regulations, and deliver your car safely.
Auto Transport Today and Beyond
The trucking and auto transport industries are ever-changing, and at Global Auto Transportation, we are changing with it. President Trump’s trucker English proficiency executive order raises the set standard for auto transport safety and accountability. At Global Auto Transportation, upholding these values have always been our top auto transport priority. Our goal is to ensure compliance with both on-road regulations and federal mandates essential for our operations.
If you’re planning to transport a vehicle nationwide or need help understanding new FMCSA trucking regulations, contact us today. Our experienced team is always here to help.
