Keeping You Informed
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Regulatory and Political Developments
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Federal Funding Withholding: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced it will withhold over $40 million in funding from California, citing the state's failure to actively enforce a federal English-language proficiency requirement for commercial drivers' licenses (CDLs).
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English Proficiency Enforcement: A new policy on roadside English-proficiency exams for truckers has reportedly led to thousands of drivers being pulled off the road, testing the resilience of the U.S. supply chain. Industry officials have noted a lack of clear processes for drivers to return to work after failing the exam.
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Tariffs on Trucks and Parts: The U.S. has formalized plans to impose new tariffs, including a 25% duty on heavy-duty trucks and a 10% levy on buses, both set to begin in November. The White House also released more details on tariffs on heavy truck parts, which may include an offset program for some manufacturers.
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Leadership Confirmed: The Senate recently confirmed Derek Barrs to serve as the administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a move that has been applauded by industry groups like the American Trucking Associations (ATA).
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Strengthening CDL Standards: The ATA has called on Congress to strengthen CDL standards in light of recent high-profile crashes involving unqualified drivers.

