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

OOIDA demands english proficiency enforcement, San Antonio tightens truck parking rules, and Mississippi passes major 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.

San Antonio bans truck parking in legal areas

On March 20, the San Antonio City Council in Texas passed a new ordinance making it easier for residents and business owners to prohibit truck parking in areas where it is currently legal. While this measure is less restrictive than previous proposals, it limits parking in non-residential areas. Truck drivers who park illegally in these areas will face fines ranging from $35 to $500.

Currently, ruck parking is prohibited in residential areas, and the new ordinance allows anyone to submit a request to 311 to restrict parking in non-residential streets. Starting April 19, if no safety issues are identified, the case will be reviewed by either the police department or the city’s code enforcement department to determine if the restriction is justified.

Although the restrictions have tightened, truck drivers have expressed concern about the lack of parking options. A city survey showed that 83% of truck drivers in San Antonio have difficulty finding parking. In response, solutions have been proposed to increase available options, but due to the slow process, it’s unlikely that an increase in truck parking will come as a near-term solution.

Mississippi approves major tax reform with increased transportation funding

The Mississippi House of Representatives approved a significant tax reform that is now heading to the governor. This bill, HB1, includes tax cuts and a restructuring of state funds. The main component is the gradual elimination of the state’s individual income tax, which will be reduced by a quarter percent annually until it reaches 3% by 2030, resulting in a $400 million revenue loss.

In addition, the fuel tax will increase by 9 cents per gallon over several years, beginning with a 3-cent hike in July 2025. The additional revenue will primarily be allocated to the Mississippi Department of Transportation and the State Road Fund.

HB1 also includes a gradual reduction in the sales tax on food from 7% to 5%, with adjustments in other taxes to offset the cost. Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann emphasized that the reform will provide tax relief and strengthen infrastructure, though critics warn it may impact essential public services.