America’s highways are more than just roads—they’re the arteries that keep the country’s economy alive. Every shipment, every mile, every driver matters. But right now, those highways are at risk—not from congestion or weather, but from systemic regulatory gaps, underqualified drivers, and illegal freight operations.
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) isn’t staying silent. In a bold move, ATA President and CEO Chris Spear sent a letter to Congress calling for urgent reforms to strengthen CDL issuance, training, and enforcement standards, while cracking down on illegal foreign carriers operating domestic freight. The message is clear: it’s time to raise the bar, protect U.S. trucking, and put safety first.
The Problem: Loopholes, Unsafe Drivers, and Cabotage
Even though commercial trucking is one of the most regulated industries in the country, there are glaring vulnerabilities. Drivers are slipping through the cracks—some lack basic qualifications, such as English proficiency, while others have minimal driving experience. On top of that, illegal foreign carriers are running domestic freight, a practice known as cabotage, which threatens U.S. carrier profitability and creates unfair competition.
ATA’s letter highlights how these gaps are not just technicalities—they are real safety hazards. An underqualified driver behind the wheel is a risk to themselves, other drivers, and the communities highways serve. Cabotage, meanwhile, undermines American trucking companies by siphoning business away from compliant operators.
In short, the current system is broken, and without action, the consequences could get worse.
ATA’s Six-Point Reform Agenda
ATA is pushing Congress to act now. Their six-point plan is straightforward, actionable, and aimed at eliminating these systemic risks:
1. Codify English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards
Clear communication is non-negotiable in trucking. Misunderstandings can cost lives. ATA urges Congress to codify President Trump’s executive order requiring English proficiency, ensuring these standards are consistent nationwide and enforceable.
2. Mandate ELP Testing for CDL Applicants
Beyond policy, there must be a practical enforcement mechanism. ATA wants the FMCSA to implement an ELP test as part of the CDL process. This ensures drivers can communicate effectively, read safety instructions, and respond appropriately in emergencies.
3. Require Minimum Driving Experience
ATA proposes a minimum one-year requirement holding a standard driver’s license before becoming eligible for a CDL. This ensures drivers enter commercial trucking with a baseline of skill and road awareness. Limited exceptions can exist for approved workforce programs.
4. Enhance Oversight of CDL Issuance and Testing
Strong oversight is critical. Federal and state agencies must enforce consistent standards, verify training program legitimacy, and audit testing to prevent unqualified drivers from slipping through the cracks.
5. Expedite Removal of Non-Compliant Training Providers
Training providers failing to meet federal standards must be removed quickly from the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Loopholes in training oversight allow subpar programs to churn out underqualified drivers, threatening safety and compliance.
6. Crack Down on Illegal Cabotage
Cabotage undermines legitimate U.S. carriers and creates unsafe competition. Strong enforcement and stricter penalties are essential to keep domestic freight in the hands of compliant, qualified carriers.
Real-World Consequences of Inaction
These recommendations aren’t hypothetical—they are based on real-world incidents. A recent fatal crash in Florida involved a driver who had obtained a non-domicile CDL through improper channels and did not meet federal English proficiency requirements. The crash not only claimed lives but raised serious questions about how drivers are vetted and certified.
Other cases of cabotage have caused financial strain on U.S. carriers, forcing them to compete against operators who circumvent safety and labor standards. These issues show why half-measures won’t cut it. Without action, both road safety and the industry’s economic integrity are at risk.
EclipseDOT: Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Action
This is where EclipseDOT comes into play. While Congress debates legislation, fleets need tools today to address these risks. EclipseDOT offers real-time driver performance monitoring, compliance tracking, and safety analytics, empowering fleets to act before problems happen.
Driver Qualification & Training Tracking
EclipseDOT ensures all drivers meet federal and company standards before hitting the road. Training completion, test results, and certifications are logged and easy to access—helping fleets proactively manage compliance with new standards like ELP testing and minimum experience requirements.
Safety Monitoring
From harsh braking to speeding and fatigue, EclipseDOT monitors driver behavior in real time. Managers can coach proactively, reducing incidents, preventing crashes, and protecting both drivers and the public.
Regulatory Compliance
Automate FMCSA and state reporting, ensuring your fleet meets all regulatory requirements. With EclipseDOT, fleets are prepared for audits, inspections, and any legislative changes Congress may enact.
Route and Cabotage Oversight
EclipseDOT’s routing tools help fleets track and manage freight, ensuring drivers operate within legal routes and avoid accidental cabotage violations, protecting revenue and compliance.
Why Action Matters Now
The ATA’s recommendations, combined with tools like EclipseDOT, create a roadmap for safer, smarter, and more profitable trucking. Congress has a chance to close regulatory gaps and enforce standards nationwide. Meanwhile, fleets that implement these tools today gain a competitive advantage, reduce risk, and protect drivers, customers, and the public.
A Safer Future for American Trucking
Trucking isn’t just moving freight—it’s moving the country forward. Properly qualified drivers, strong oversight, and proactive compliance are the foundation of a safe and sustainable industry. The time for half-measures is over. Congress must act. Fleets must act. And with the right tools, EclipseDOT ensures that action is effective and measurable.
By combining legislative reform with technology solutions, we can create a system where every driver is qualified, every shipment is secure, and every mile on America’s highways is safer than the last.
Sources: