WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is pushing lawmakers to adopt stricter standards for commercial driver qualifications, particularly English Language Proficiency (ELP), in an effort to improve safety on U.S. highways.

In an October 8 letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson and other congressional leaders, ATA President and CEO Chris Spear emphasized gaps in federal oversight, enforcement, and driver qualification standards that “threaten safety” nationwide.

The letter highlights a recent fatal crash in Florida involving a commercial driver who had improperly obtained a non-domicile CDL and failed to meet federal requirements, including English proficiency. While the ATA applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) for ongoing efforts to address these issues, it called on Congress to enact further reforms.

Among the ATA’s six legislative recommendations were:

• Codify the President’s Executive Order on ELP, making the standards consistent and enforceable nationwide.

• Direct the FMCSA to implement a standardized English language test during the CDL issuance process.

• Require drivers to hold a standard license for at least one year before applying for a CDL, with exceptions for vetted programs.

• Expand oversight and audits of state CDL agencies and third-party testers.

• Remove non-compliant training providers from the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR).

• Strengthen penalties for illegal cabotage violations by foreign-domiciled carriers.

“Guaranteeing drivers can read and understand road signs, communicate with enforcement officials, and respond effectively in emergencies is foundational to safety,” the ATA wrote, noting that a national standard is essential to prevent a fragmented system of enforcement.

According to American Trucking Associations, these reforms are necessary to protect public safety and ensure only fully qualified, compliant drivers operate on U.S. roads.