President Donald Trump signed a new executive order on Monday requiring commercial truck drivers in the U.S. to pass an English literacy test. This move could impact the supply chain by causing drivers to be pulled off the road.
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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the rule will fix communication problems that happen between truckers and local or federal officials. “You might not know, but there are a lot of communication problems between truckers on the road with federal officials and local officials, as well, which obviously is a public safety risk,” Leavitt said.
Drivers who cannot prove their English proficiency will be placed out of service, according to the order. That could create driver shortages at a time when the supply chain still relies heavily on trucking to move goods across the country quickly and reliably.
A White House official said the order directs Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to “rescind guidance that watered down the law requiring English proficiency for commercial drivers” and to strengthen inspections and enforcement. “President Trump believes that English is a non-negotiable safety requirement for professional drivers, as they should be able to read and understand traffic signs; communicate with traffic safety officers, border patrol, agricultural checkpoints, and cargo weight-limit station personnel; and provide and receive feedback and directions in English,” the official said.
The new rule reverses a 2016 Obama-era policy that softened enforcement of English standards. Some trucking experts, along with officials like Republican Representative Harriet Hageman, have blamed that policy for a rise in fatal truck crashes.
“When looking at available data, it is well within reason to conclude that this guidance has played a factor in the number of trucking accidents throughout the last several years,” Hageman said in a letter to Duffy earlier this month.
Industry groups, such as the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), praised the move. “OOIDA and the 150,000 truckers we proudly represent strongly support President Trump’s decision to resume enforcement of English proficiency requirements for commercial drivers. Basic English skills are essential for reading critical road signs, understanding emergency instructions, and interacting with law enforcement,” said OOIDA’s Todd Peters.
While the order focuses on safety, sidelining drivers who don’t pass the test could make it harder for trucking companies to meet demand, especially during peak shipping seasons. Fewer drivers on the road could mean delivery delays, higher costs, and even inventory shortages for businesses that rely on fast and reliable freight.
“Every day, truckers perform the demanding and dangerous work of transporting the Nation’s goods to businesses, customers, and communities safely, reliably, and efficiently,” the order said.
Trump signed the order at the White House Monday afternoon. The Department of Transportation is expected to issue new rules for inspections and enforcement within 60 days.
