U.S. Trucking Industry Faces Tighter Driver English‑Proficiency Enforcement

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has intensified its enforcement of the English language proficiency (ELP) requirement for commercial motor vehicle drivers. Under the renewed focus, drivers who cannot read and speak English to the standard may be placed out of service, prompting carriers to strengthen documentation and training practices.

Werner Enterprises CEO Derek Leathers said the stricter enforcement of CDL and ELP rules, together with recent legal decisions such as Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, is accelerating carrier exits and reducing “shadow capacity.” He expects the attrition to continue into early 2027, tightening overall capacity and supporting higher freight rates, while rising fuel, insurance and equipment costs also pressure the market.