What happened and why it matters
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has been addressing truckers directly in recent days, tying safety policy to on‑the‑ground realities drivers face. Two headline actions are reshaping compliance and staffing plans nationwide: a federal push to strictly enforce English‑language proficiency for commercial drivers and an immediate pause on the issuance of new worker visas for commercial truck drivers, announced by the State Department on August 21, 2025. Taken together with USDOT’s new Truck Driver Appreciation Week initiatives on September 15 — including pilot projects to test added Hours‑of‑Service (HOS) flexibility — fleets should expect fast‑moving changes to qualification, training, and scheduling.
The enforcement pivot: English proficiency
On August 26, USDOT warned California, Washington, and New Mexico they could lose roughly $50 million in federal safety funds if they do not fully enforce English proficiency rules for CMV drivers within 30 days. The move follows an Aug. 12 fatal crash in Florida that officials say involved a driver lacking English proficiency, now charged with vehicular homicide. Duffy framed the crackdown as core to roadway safety — inspectors can once again place drivers out of service for English violations under FMCSA guidance updated earlier this year.
Staffing shock: Visa pause for commercial drivers
Compounding recruiting uncertainty, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on August 21 the U.S. is pausing issuance of worker visas for commercial truck drivers “effective immediately.” The decision supports USDOT’s English‑enforcement push and responds to heightened scrutiny after the Florida crash. For carriers that relied on foreign driver pipelines, near‑term hiring plans will need to adjust.
Quality‑of‑life moves: HOS flexibility pilots and driver engagement
During National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (beginning Sept. 15), USDOT announced pilot programs to study added HOS flexibility with the goal of reducing fatigue and giving drivers more control over rest windows. Duffy has also been meeting with drivers to solicit ideas on training, parking, and cutting red tape — a signal that operational feedback is feeding policy development.
Tax angle: IRS updates that hit the P&L
While the regulatory headlines draw attention, don’t miss tax updates that affect driver compensation packages and owner‑operator deductions. For tax year 2025, the transportation M&IE per‑diem remains $80 per full day CONUS ($86 OCONUS) effective Oct. 1, 2024–Sept. 30, 2025. Separately, the IRS business standard mileage rate rose to 70 cents per mile starting Jan. 1, 2025 — relevant for certain owner‑operator recordkeeping and reimbursements.
Action checklist for fleet managers and owner‑operators
- Audit driver qualification files: Verify English proficiency documentation and training records are complete and consistent with FMCSA rules. Prepare for stricter roadside enforcement and potential out‑of‑service orders.
- Update policies and coaching: Refresh road‑sign comprehension, incident communication, and inspection‑interaction modules in new‑hire and remedial training. Align with your state’s enforcement posture to avoid surprises.
- Scenario‑plan recruiting: If you previously relied on foreign driver pipelines, model capacity impacts from the visa pause and accelerate domestic recruiting, retention, and finishing programs.
- HOS operations review: Track USDOT’s HOS pilot details and be ready to participate if eligible. Map where flexibility could reduce detention‑driven fatigue without compromising safety.
- Tax/comp adjustments: Confirm your per‑diem and reimbursement policies reflect the $80/$86 transportation M&IE levels and incorporate the 70¢/mile business rate where applicable. Communicate clearly with drivers before peak freight periods.
- Parking and safety investments: Continue pushing for safe parking access and leverage federal grants where available; this remains a USDOT priority alongside enforcement.
Bottom line
USDOT’s message to drivers — and to carriers — is unmistakable: expect tougher qualification enforcement and targeted flexibility where data suggests it can enhance safety and driver quality of life. With funding threats to non‑compliant states, a visa freeze affecting labor supply, and HOS pilots on deck, the fleets that get proactive on compliance, training, and compensation policy will be best positioned for Q4 and early 2026.
Sources Consulted: Reuters, Associated Press/PBS NewsHour, U.S. Department of Transportation, FMCSA, CDLLife, Internal Revenue Service, Politico, Forbes.
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This article was prepared exclusively for truckstopinsider.com. For professional tax advice, consult a qualified professional.
