Truckers In Texas Pulled From Route – What To Know

(Texas) To drive a commercial truck across the border, whether it's the Canadian or Mexican border, truckers must be proficient in the English language. They must know enough English to read highway and street signs and be able to carry on a basic conversation with law enforcement, if needed, according to federal law.

Recently, forty Mexican truck drivers throughout Texas, Mississippi, and Arkansas have had their driving privileges revoked because they could not meet the minimum standards set by this law.

What the English Proficiency Law Requires

Although the law has existed for years, it has rarely been enforced, or only warnings have been issued, until President Trump signed an executive order back in April mandating that all truckers know enough English to interact with law enforcement and to be able to read and understand highway traffic signs.

How Enforcement Has Changed Under Recent Executive Order

Any driver found non-compliant with the law would have their vehicles taken out of service and not be allowed to complete their delivery.

Drivers who continue to drive after being taken out of service could face fines up to $50,000.

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The Supply Chain Fallout of Stricter Enforcement

Men and women of all nationalities become truck drivers here in the United States. Israel Delgado Vallejo, vice president of the Northwest Chapter of the Chamber of Freight Transportation, tells Border Report that of the trucks on the road,

Twenty to 30 percent can easily manage, but the remaining 70 percent probably can’t hold a conversation or know basic English to get by, but if you take them all off the road, it will have severe implications in the supply chain and cripple the economy of both countries.'

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No Standardized English Test for Truckers

Currently, there is no national standardized proficiency test for testing truck drivers. It is based upon local law enforcement's interpretation and enforcement.