Truckers Scramble to Meet New English Rule Amid Job Fears

A new executive order from President Trump mandates that U.S. commercial drivers must speak and read English proficiently, triggering anxiety among non-native English speakers in the trucking industry. Effective Wednesday, the regulation bars drivers who cannot communicate clearly in English from operating commercial vehicles, reversing Obama-era flexibility. Inspectors will now conduct interviews and test sign recognition without translation aids. Truckers and advocates fear the vague criteria could lead to discriminatory enforcement, especially against those with accents. Training centers like Driving Academy in New Jersey and groups in Texas are ramping up free English classes and tools like scripts and apps to help drivers prepare. Supporters say the policy improves safety, but critics worry it may unfairly sideline skilled workers. The policy adds pressure on an industry already facing labor shortages and raises concerns about how language proficiency will be judged in practice.

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Source: AP News