USKO Hosted Business Breakfast with CHP, Drivers, and Carriers
01 July 2025
At a recent business breakfast held at USKO’s California office, CEO Vlad Skots joined representatives from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), owner-operators, and industry carriers to discuss a growing concern in the logistics sector: the implementation of new English proficiency rules for commercial drivers.
On June 25, 2025, the FMCSA enforced a regulation requiring drivers to demonstrate the ability to read and speak English. While the intent is widely supported across the industry, concerns are rising over how the rule is being applied.
“Let me be clear: I fully support that drivers should speak English,” said Vlad Skots during the meeting. “But the way regulators are forcing this rule is a complete disaster.”
“Let me be clear: I fully support that drivers should speak English,” said Vlad Skots during the meeting. “But the way regulators are forcing this rule is a complete disaster.”
Under the current framework, drivers can be placed out of service at the sole discretion of a roadside inspector if they’re deemed unable to communicate in English. There’s no standardized test, no appeal process, and no accountability. This leaves room for inconsistency, bias, and disruption in daily operations.
“Even native English speakers can struggle to understand regional accents from across the U.S.,” Skots added. “Imagine the challenge for immigrant drivers who are doing their best to comply while keeping the supply chain moving.”
According to FMCSA data, more than 10% of U.S. truck drivers are non-native English speakers. With over 90% of carriers operating fewer than 10 trucks and up to 16% of drivers classified as owner-operators, the potential for enforcement disparities could hit the backbone of America’s freight economy the hardest.
“Even native English speakers can struggle to understand regional accents from across the U.S.,” Skots added. “Imagine the challenge for immigrant drivers who are doing their best to comply while keeping the supply chain moving.”
According to FMCSA data, more than 10% of U.S. truck drivers are non-native English speakers. With over 90% of carriers operating fewer than 10 trucks and up to 16% of drivers classified as owner-operators, the potential for enforcement disparities could hit the backbone of America’s freight economy the hardest.
In response to the situation, USKO recently launched a free online English training course designed specifically for commercial drivers. The course features realistic modules that prepare drivers for roadside inspections and common dispatch communications.
This is part of USKO’s broader effort to ensure safety, fairness, and regulatory readiness.
As a next step, Vlad Skots encouraged other logistics leaders to advocate for a more balanced and accountable enforcement model. “We’re not just protecting our drivers.We’re protecting the integrity of the industry,” he concluded.
This is part of USKO’s broader effort to ensure safety, fairness, and regulatory readiness.
As a next step, Vlad Skots encouraged other logistics leaders to advocate for a more balanced and accountable enforcement model. “We’re not just protecting our drivers.We’re protecting the integrity of the industry,” he concluded.
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