05/27/2026
🇺🇸 DOL to Require English Proficiency for Foreign Truck Drivers
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) will soon require companies hiring foreign commercial truck drivers to include English-language proficiency (ELP) requirements in all labor certification applications and job orders.
📌 Key points:
• Foreign CMV drivers must be able to speak, read, and understand English.
• The rule takes effect around June 14, 2026.
• Companies that fail to include ELP requirements will receive a “Notice of Deficiency.”
• Labor certification processing may be paused until violations are corrected.
• The policy aligns with FMCSA federal safety regulations.
Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling stated that enforcing English proficiency requirements is essential for highway safety and regulatory compliance.
The Department of Labor also confirmed that:
✅ FMCSA remains responsible for ELP testing and enforcement.
✅ The State Department has resumed issuing visas for foreign truck drivers.
📊 H-2A Truck Driver Numbers:
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers ranked #4 among H-2A certified occupations in FY2026 with 1,605 certified workers.
Top states hiring H-2A workers:
• Florida
• Georgia
• Washington
• California
• North Carolina
⚠️ Safety communication, road signs, inspections, and emergency response all depend on clear English comprehension