The trucking industry is facing a major federal crackdown. During the latest wave of Operation Highway Shield, authorities carried out a three-day sweep across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Ohio, targeting unqualified drivers, unsafe trucks and alleged CDL fraud. Officials say 86 operators were arrested and 766 drivers and vehicles were placed out of service.
Authorities also issued 36 English-language proficiency violations and detained 51 undocumented immigrants, including 21 drivers with non-domiciled CDLs.
The crackdown goes far beyond those three days. The U.S. Department of Transportation says more than 26,000 commercial drivers have been placed out of service for failing English-language requirements, about 8,000 allegedly fraudulent driving schools have been shut down, and more than 30,000 improperly issued CDLs have been revoked.
Under FMCSA guidance, commercial drivers must be able to sufficiently speak and read English, respond to official questions and understand highway signs and signals. Drivers who fail those requirements can be placed out of service.
The trucking game has definitely changed, and federal officials are making it clear that licensing, safety and English-language requirements are being heavily enforced.
