Texas Trucking’s Silent Threat: Non-English Speaking Drivers Surge as Crashes Mount Nationwide
A recent report by American Truckers United claims that Texas companies employ more commercial drivers lacking English proficiency than any other state, raising concerns about highway safety nationwide.
The report, shared on social media last week, highlights that nearly 800 Texas-based drivers were issued out-of-service orders for failing to meet federal English proficiency standards—more than double the number in second-place Illinois. California, Florida, and Ohio followed in the top five.
“Texas is largely responsible for the truck drivers that don’t speak English on America’s roadways,” the group stated.
American Truckers United and other critics argue that the trucking industry in Texas is prioritizing cheaper labor, including hiring non-citizens who may not meet federal safety requirements. “What starts as a Texas issue becomes a national crisis,” said group spokesman Shannon Everett in a statement to Breitbart Texas. “Drivers failing English standards are exported across America, demanding urgent intervention.”
The issue has come under heightened scrutiny following several high-profile fatal crashes in Texas involving drivers with limited English proficiency. In one case near Austin, a truck driver allegedly involved in a deadly crash reportedly spoke mostly Tigrinya. Another driver in a separate incident allegedly failed an English-language test and had difficulty identifying road signs. While English ability was noted in some affidavits, police did not always conduct formal assessments.
The White House told Breitbart News that President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order mandating that all commercial truck drivers demonstrate English proficiency. The order emphasizes the need for drivers to read road signs and communicate with law enforcement and safety officials.
However, enforcement of these standards may vary. According to a report by WFAA in Dallas, a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) internal email clarified that English proficiency violations would apply only to drivers engaged in interstate—not intrastate—commerce. Legal experts say this is a policy choice that could be changed through state legislation.
Governor Greg Abbott’s office responded, saying the governor expects full compliance with the executive order. “Public safety is priority #1,” said spokesman Andrew Mahalleris. The matter is now under review by the governor’s executive office.
American Truckers United argues that Texas policy is at odds with federal law, which requires that states not adopt commercial vehicle safety laws that are less stringent than federal standards. Under 49 U.S.C. § 31141, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation may preempt any state law that conflicts with federal safety regulations or places an unreasonable burden on interstate commerce.
The group also cited a 2023 petition from Texas DPS Major Omar Villarreal to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), calling for the U.S. to end reciprocal recognition of Mexican and Canadian CDLs for drivers operating outside their home jurisdictions. The petition includes testimony from DPS officers alleging widespread fraud involving foreign CDLs.
While American Truckers United agrees with the need to address CDL fraud, the group opposes expanding access to non-domiciled CDLs, which allow foreign nationals to apply for a U.S. commercial license if they have work authorization. Everett warned that these licenses contribute to unsafe driving conditions and unfair labor competition.
In a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, the group called for banning both foreign and non-domiciled CDLs for non-citizens, urging restrictions that would confine foreign drivers to designated trade zones.
“These practices enable unauthorized domestic freight hauling, displace American workers through unfair wage competition, and pose significant safety and security risks,” Everett wrote.
The debate continues as the Texas Legislature prepares for a third special session, during which lawmakers could address the issue through potential changes in state law.
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