English proficiency rule gains attention at shipping and receiving facilities

Federal regulation 49 CFR § 391.11(b)(2) requires commercial truck drivers to have sufficient English skills to communicate with the public, understand road signs, respond to officials, and complete required reports. The FMCSA and CVSA recently renewed focus on this rule, with the CVSA adding English proficiency to its Out-of-Service criteria, allowing inspectors to sideline drivers who do not meet the communication standard.

Some shippers and receivers have begun reinforcing these requirements at their facilities to ensure compliance and improve safety communication. Industry discussions around the rule note both its practical importance for operations and the challenges it may present for drivers whose first language is not English.