Lawmakers Urge DOT Crackdown on Fraudulent CDL Mills
Republican Members of Congress Push to Address Safety Risks From Poorly Trained Truck Drivers
Key Takeaways:
- Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.) urged Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to investigate fraudulent CDL mills and strengthen commercial driver training standards.
- Their call follows new legislation from Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and President Donald Trump’s executive order requiring English proficiency for commercial drivers, citing safety concerns.
- The Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration are enforcing English-language rules, withholding $40 million from California for noncompliance.
[Stay on top of transportation news: .]
Two lawmakers who sponsored legislation to require that commercial driver license testing be conducted in English are now urging Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to investigate the growing trucking industry concern of so-called CDL mills.
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.) pointed to such noncompliant entry-level driver training programs as mechanisms designed to exploit regulatory loopholes to produce poorly trained drivers that could pose a threat to motorists.
“As the sponsors of the Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act, we have been at the forefront of efforts to strengthen our commercial licensing system,” the two policymakers wrote the secretary Oct. 28. “While Congress works to pass the legislation, we strongly encourage DOT to use its rulemaking authority to make further changes like mandatory training hours behind the wheel for CDLs. We applaud the steps you have taken to ensure the safety of Arkansans and Kentuckians.”
The lawmakers’ Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act would require CDL testing be conducted in English. They maintain highway safety is hindered by the presence of unqualified and unprepared drivers with a CDL.
Barr. (Al Drago/Bloomberg)
The letter to Duffy came shortly after Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) unveiled legislation that would require CDL holders to understand English and be able to adequately communicate in the language. Her bill also would disqualify commercial drivers who fail requisite English communication standards.
“Wyoming families and travelers deserve safe highways,” Lummis said Oct. 14. She is a senior member of the transportation panels. The bill is meant to codify President Donald Trump’s executive order titled “Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers.” According to the order issued in April, “Drivers need to provide feedback to their employers and customers and receive related directions in English. This is common sense.” Committee consideration of the bill has yet to be scheduled.
These legislative efforts add fuel to those by Duffy and his senior DOT team to investigate and eliminate fraudulent CDL mills and noncompliant entry-level driver training programs, as well as continue the agency’s aggressive pursuit of enforcement for English-language proficiency standards. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently announced it withheld more than $40 million from California after it determined the state had failed to comply with certain English language proficiency standards.
Want more news? Listen to today's daily briefing above or go here for more info
“I put states on notice this summer: enforce the Trump administration’s English-language requirements or the checks stop coming. California is the only state in the nation that refuses to ensure big rig drivers can read our road signs and communicate with law enforcement. This is a fundamental safety issue that impacts you and your family on America’s road,” .
American Trucking Associations has endorsed efforts in Washington meant to . The trucking group has called on Congress to enhance overall training, testing and licensing standards for CDL holders.
“Proper driver training is the baseline for highway safety, which is why we commend Secretary Duffy and [FMCSA] Administrator [Derek] Barrs for closing dangerous loopholes, enforcing existing regulations and ensuring that only qualified, well-trained drivers are operating on our nation’s roadways,” said ATA President Chris Spear. “Thanks to their leadership, we are making significant strides to root out bad actors and ensure every new commercial driver receives high-quality, consistent training before getting behind the wheel.
“As the largest national association representing the trucking industry, ATA and its members recognize the critical importance of a trained, qualified driver workforce,” Spear added. “By continuing to partner with the Trump administration, we can ensure that all drivers meet our high standards of safety and professionalism.”
