Highway safety is a critical concern, especially for those like myself who have dedicated years to training professional truck drivers. The strength of America’s economy relies heavily on a robust national freight network that ensures goods are transported efficiently across state lines and through major highway corridors. Weakening safety standards for commercial drivers can have nationwide repercussions, putting not just the drivers, but also supply chains and other motorists at risk.
Recently, I was disturbed by remarks made by Democratic Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett during a House Judiciary Committee hearing. She suggested that proficiency in the English language is not necessary for operating a commercial motor vehicle safely, comparing it to driving a rental car in a foreign country. Her viewpoint overlooks the complexities involved in operating large commercial vehicles, and it undermines the professionalism displayed by America’s truck drivers.
“Operating an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle is not remotely comparable to driving a passenger vehicle. A commercial driver is not simply following turn-by-turn directions from point A to point B. ”
Truck drivers navigate intricate highway systems, respond to emergencies, follow law enforcement directions, interpret roadside signs, heed weather alerts, and communicate effectively with dispatchers and emergency personnel—all of which rely on a sound understanding of English. These responsibilities are crucial to ensure safety and require clear communication under pressure.
In the United States, commercial trucks play a vital role in transporting agricultural products, consumer goods, and critical supplies across cities and rural areas. Consistent safety standards are not just a regional matter but a necessity for the entire nation, ensuring that freight moves safely and efficiently from one point to another.
Federal law has traditionally mandated English language proficiency for commercial drivers for valid reasons. A commercial driver’s license (CDL) signifies more than just legally permitting someone to drive a truck; it represents a promise to the public that the driver is well-trained and adheres to uniform safety standards. Any attempts to dilute these requirements undermine public trust in the CDL.
The trucking industry faces ongoing challenges, as regulators often deal with entities bypassing proper training protocols, falsifying documents, or exploiting loopholes to put inadequately trained drivers on the roads. Such “CDL mills” devalue the hard-earned skills of real drivers and the reputation of credible training institutes.
As the chairman of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA), I witness the stark contrast between thorough, authentic driver instruction and dishonest operations that offer quick or guaranteed licenses. True training encompasses classroom lessons, practical skill development, supervised driving, and effective communication between instructors and students, all of which require a common language.
This is not a matter of excluding individuals. Trucking offers opportunities to people from varied backgrounds, and the CVTA advocates for expanding the workforce responsibly—but not at the cost of safety. Relaxing standards can result in more accidents and scrutinies while reducing job quality.
Consistent enforcement of existing regulations, rather than enacting new laws, is the way forward. Regulators must ensure adherence to entry-level driver training rules, execute comprehensive audits, and dismantle fraudulent operations. Every state must collaborate with federal agencies to guarantee that every CDL signifies genuine training and capability.
When you see a truck on the road, you should trust that the driver can interpret signs, follow emergency protocols, and make accurate decisions in critical situations. This trust originates from enforcing safety standards that place importance on expertise. We owe this assurance to both our drivers and the traveling public.
Jeffrey Burkhardt is the chairman of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association, the nation’s largest association of professional truck driver training programs.