Companies, fearing penalties that could put them out of business, race to make sure their drivers have enough English to communicate with U.S. officials.
In April 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order enforcing stricter English proficiency requirements for commercial truck drivers operating in the United States. Though the rule has existed for years, the new mandate reinstates penalties—such as placing drivers out of service—for those unable to read road signs or communicate effectively with U.S. officials.
The move has sent ripples through the U.S.–Mexico freight corridor, where thousands of Mexican truckers cross daily under B-1 visas. Previously overlooked, the language requirement is now being rigorously enforced, prompting Mexican companies to launch crash courses in English to keep their drivers on the road. In Nuevo Laredo, for example, truckers are attending six-week language programs to meet the new standards.
The U.S. Department of Transportation reported over 5,000 violations in 2025 alone, a dramatic increase from the previous year. Drivers who fail to meet the mandate are barred from operating beyond designated commercial zones until they demonstrate compliance. This has led to a shortage of qualified drivers and rising freight costs on northbound lanes.
Supporters of the mandate, including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, argue it enhances road safety and ensures accountability. Critics, however, view it as a politically charged move that disproportionately affects foreign workers and strains U.S.–Mexico trade relations.
Despite the controversy, many Mexican trucking firms are adapting. “We’re in favor of road safety,” said Israel Delgado Vallejo, a trucking company owner in Tijuana. “But this rule puts us in an emergency”.
With billions of dollars in goods moving across the border annually, the mandate has become a defining issue in cross-border logistics—one that blends safety, policy, and international diplomacy.
Sources: WLRN Public Media / FreightWaves
