Proficient in English?

Effective April 28, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) started enforcing the English language proficiency policy outlined in the Federal Regulations (CFR Section 391.11 (B) (2). What that says in essence is:

• Read and understand road signs, traffic signals, and official postings written in English
• Communicate effectively with DOT officers and law enforcement
• Respond appropriately to official inquiries
• Complete necessary documentation, including inspection reports, driver logs, and all other required forms

If a driver fails to demonstrate proficiency in any of these areas during a roadside inspection, they may be deemed not qualified to operate a commercial vehicle and can be placed “Out of Service” immediately.

This is a policy that has been in place since 2016 but rarely enforced.  Certain states have been aggressive with enforcement like Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee but we expect all of the states to follow suit.

Out of service not only means for that load that the driver is under, but it means Out of Service until the driver can demonstrate proficiency!  It has been tough to find great drivers for at least a decade now and this will only make it harder on trucklines looking to hire.

Steps you can take as the shipper:

Ask your carrier what they are doing to comply. Many are holding English classes or purchasing classes or apps to help drivers on this path.

Watch for Independent Contractor heavy carriers who lose the ability for control over training.

Monitor CSA scores for your carriers and their out of service (OOS) % and if you see it rising, it could mean this is an issue.

We are a Country of Immigrants and be assured that West Bend Transit is 100% compliant with ESE (English Speaking Employees) which will keep your freight moving through to destination.

Want to learn more? Contact Mike Matz, Director of Sales & Operations, today at 262-339-4701, or email here.

Chris Greenberg,
President and C.O.O.
West Bend Transit and Service Co.