One-in-five trucking companies indicated some of their drivers might struggle to comply with English language proficiency (ELP) requirements in the U.S., according to about 100 carriers who responded to the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) survey since May.
An average of 15% of the surveyed fleets indicated drivers could be negatively affected by the change in enforcement, according to a CTA news release.
Under the new guidance, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s longstanding ELP requirements – FMCSR 391.11 (b)(2) – will be given added attention with new non-compliance consequences.
The industry was notified on May 20 that commercial motor vehicle drivers who fail to comply with will be issued a citation and placed out-of-service when the CVSA driver out-of-service (OOS) criteria go into effect June 25; and could potentially have their drivers’ licences disqualified when warranted.
The policy announcement was prompted by a Presidential Executive Order issued in April.
CTA monitoring situation
“The heightened enforcement attention on this issue has been in place since late May. We will be continuing to monitor the situation closely once the OOS goes active mid-next week and will be comparing it to the survey results,” Geoff Wood, CTA’s senior vice-president of policy, said in the release. “While this appears manageable right now, the trucking industry is experiencing the worst freight recession in 40 years. The full impact on Canada-U.S. trade would likely increase as economies improve and demand for freight transportation rises.”
Other than what has been published by FMCSA, there are no additional details from U.S. law enforcement on how drivers will be tested for language proficiency or exactly how enforcement will be applied in various jurisdictions, the release said.
However, it is understood that FMCSA’s intent is to ensure drivers can communicate effectively with enforcement officials and understand highway signage for the safe operation of their commercial vehicle on U.S. roads and highways.
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