The Importance of English Proficiency in Truck Driving

Highway Safety and the Economy

For decades, as someone dedicated to training professional truck drivers, I’ve held highway safety in high regard. America’s economy heavily relies on a national freight network that ensures goods are transported through every state, across all major highways, and into every community. Weakening safety standards for commercial drivers anywhere across this network has widespread repercussions, compromising motorist safety, supply chains, and the well-being of professional drivers nationwide.

Remarks from Congress and Their Implications

Recently, comments from Democratic Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett during a House Judiciary Committee hearing deeply concerned me. She suggested that English proficiency is not essential for the safe operation of a commercial vehicle, likening it to how someone might drive a rental car in a foreign nation without knowing the local language. Such a perspective is not only misguided and perilous but also overlooks the professionalism of America’s truck drivers.

Complexities of Driving Commercial Vehicles

Driving an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle is vastly different from operating a passenger car. Commercial drivers do much more than follow GPS directions – they navigate intricate highway systems, respond to emergencies, comply with law enforcement, interpret roadside signs, understand weather alerts, and coordinate with dispatchers, among other tasks. Each of these responsibilities demands proficiency in English.

Foundation of the Economy: Professional Truck Drivers

Across the nation, commercial trucks deliver agricultural products from rural areas, transport consumer goods through major interstate corridors, and move vital supplies to ports, factories, hospitals, and distribution centers. Our economy heavily depends on professional drivers to ensure safe and efficient freight movement, making robust safety standards a nationwide necessity.

Federal Safety Requirements for Commercial Drivers

Federal law has long mandated commercial drivers to show proficiency in the English language.

This requirement assures the public that the driver of a commercial truck has undergone proper training, evaluation, and is subject to consistent safety standards. Weakening these requirements risks undermining public trust in the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) system.

The Problem of CDL Mills

This debate occurs amidst broader challenges within the trucking sector. Regulators across the country identify bad actors who bypass training standards, falsify records, or exploit loopholes to place unqualified drivers on public roads. These entities, known as “CDL mills,” not only compromise safety but also devalue the dedication of honest drivers and respected training institutions.

The Role of Proper Training and Regulation

As chairman of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA), I witness daily the disparity between rigorous instruction and superficial operations that promise “speedy” or “guaranteed” licenses. Genuine commercial driver training encompasses classroom learning, hands-on skills development, supervised driving, and effective communication between instructors and students, all predicated on a common language.

Inclusion Without Compromising Safety

It’s crucial to clarify that this isn’t about exclusion. The trucking industry has always been a platform for opportunities, welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds. The CVTA supports workforce growth, but not at the expense of safety. Lowering standards doesn’t address labor shortages; instead, it increases accidents, fatalities, and scrutiny, ultimately reducing quality job opportunities.

Maintaining Confidence Through Standards

Instead of new laws or political discussions, the solution lies in the consistent nationwide enforcement of existing safety measures. Regulators must fully implement entry-level driver training rules, carry out substantial audits, and eliminate fraudulent operators wherever they exist. States should persist in collaborating with federal agencies to ensure every CDL on the road signifies authentic training, accountability, and competence.

As you see a truck driving next to you, the assurance that the driver can understand road signs, emergency instructions, and effectively respond to emergencies, begins with upholding and enforcing safety standards. This trust is owed to our drivers and the traveling public.

Jeffrey Burkhardt serves as the chairman of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association, the nation’s largest association of professional truck driver training programs.