In brief: english proficiency regulation, parking ban and tax reform

OOIDA demands enforcement of english language proficiency regulation

In a freight transportation market affected by low rates, one of the main concerns is the non-compliance with the English language proficiency regulation. This regulation requires drivers to be able to read and speak English in order to understand traffic signs, communicate with the public, and file reports. Now more than ever, organizations like the Small Business in Transportation (SBTC) and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) are demanding its enforcement, with no exceptions.

This regulation, in place since 1936, was reinforced in 2005 as an out-of-service violation. However, its enforcement has not been consistent. In 2015, the CVSA eliminated the enforcement of this regulation, raising concerns from associations like the OOIDA, which argues that a lack of English proficiency increases road safety risks. Recently, the OOIDA has called for the reinstatement of penalties for non-compliance with the regulation.

Drivers who do not comply with this regulation enter the market through non-resident CDL licenses, allowing drivers from other states or countries to work in the U.S. without meeting all the requirements. There have also been abuses of B-1 visas, used by Mexican drivers to conduct transport within the U.S., creating unfair competition due to lower wages, according to Land Line reports.

For these reasons, OOIDA is demanding greater oversight from authorities to prevent these non-compliant drivers from endangering road safety. The solution, according to them, lies in enforcing existing laws and properly sanctioning violators.