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The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced it would withhold more than $40 million in federal transportation funding from California, citing the state’s alleged failure to adequately enforce federal English-language proficiency requirements for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders.  

A renewed federal policy requiring stricter roadside English-language proficiency enforcement for commercial truck drivers has resulted in thousands of drivers being placed out of service since mid-2025. Industry groups and carriers have raised concerns about potential supply chain impacts and the lack of a clearly defined process for drivers to regain eligibility after violations.  

The U.S. government has finalized new tariffs on imported medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, including a 25% tariff on trucks and a 10% tariff on buses beginning November 1, 2025. Additional tariffs on heavy truck parts were also announced, along with offset programs intended to support some domestic manufacturers.  

The Senate recently confirmed Derek Barrs as administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration(FMCSA), a move supported by industry organizations including the American Trucking Associations.

The American Trucking Associations has called on Congress and regulators to strengthen CDL standards and improve enforcement following several high-profile crashes involving improperly qualified commercial drivers.