English proficiency for truckers "already" being enforced, drivers say

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In May, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order requiring English proficiency for truck drivers. Some companies share that the policy is already being enforced.

Trump's order stating that truckers who do not read and speak the language proficiently would be considered unfit for service is now in effect. Some in the Rio Grande Valley are being questioned, which leads to concerns for many in the industry.

Fourwide Transportation President, Jorge Gutierrez, says this could have an impact on supply and result in millions of dollars in losses for companies.

“It is going to throw a wrench into the operations for sure. For the longest time, we relied heavily on traffic that comes from Mexico, who may not have a perfect understanding of English but can get the job done," Gutierrez said.

Now, without knowing how to communicate and read in English, it could mean someone is not eligible to work.

The Texas Trucking Association states that truck drivers must be able to read road signs, understand emergency instructions, and communicate clearly with law enforcement.

Alamo Police Department Chief Saul Solis says they will also begin enforcing this new policy once they get more information from the Department of Transportation (DOT) on how to handle a traffic violation stop.

Gutierrez says a trucker violating this policy could lead to the company scrambling to find a solution.

“The truck would be put out of service, and the driver would not be allowed to get back on the road. The truck can be towed to a trailer truck yard. At that point, it would be up to the trucking company or us to go and be able to move forward with delivering the freight for the customer," Gutierrez said.

To help with this issue, Workforce Solutions is stepping in.

“You can support them as an employer, like, hey, I know you need the training," said Julio Salinas, communication specialist for Workforce Solutions.

"There are these classes available. You already have the list for them. You separate the hours for them to attend the courses.”

Salinas adds that the classes depend on the English level of those attending and most qualify for free.

“The classes may depend on the proficiency of your drivers," he added. "You know, they could be from six to eight weeks to maybe just an intensive course. There are resources available for them. All they have to do is come to the office and ask to see what we can do.”

Gutierrez says they will administer several proficiency tests for their current workers and new hires. This will help them examine their levels as they continue recruiting for flatbed drivers and owner-operators.

However, he believes not all is bad, as many drivers who do know English can take advantage of this.

“For all those drivers that do speak English, I feel like its going to help them be able to maybe raise their wage in the sense that there is going to be less drivers so companies are going to be fighting for a smaller pool of drivers, so a lot of it is going to come down to pay and incentives," Gutierrez said.

CDL schools are also starting to offer English courses to help new drivers meet the requirement.