U.S. Trucking Policy Updates and Their Impact on LTL/FTL Services

Recently, the U.S. federal government and several state governments have introduced new regulations regarding work visas and English proficiency requirements for commercial truck drivers. These changes may directly or indirectly affect nationwide road freight transportation, including LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) and FTL (Full-Truckload) services. Below is a summary of the key policy updates and their potential impact on the industry.

Key Policy Updates

1.Immediate Pause on All New Commercial Truck Driver Work Visas (August 21, 2025)

The U.S. government announced an immediate halt to issuing new work visas for commercial truck drivers to strengthen background checks, verify license authenticity, and ensure drivers meet English communication standards.

2.Federal Order to Enforce English Proficiency Rules (August 26, 2025)

The Department of Transportation warned that states must enforce federal English proficiency requirements or risk losing federal highway and safety funding. The goal is to ensure all commercial drivers can communicate in English, read road signs, and follow safety instructions.

3.Texas Cracks Down on Drivers Failing English Tests (Early September 2025)

The Texas Department of Public Safety has begun strictly enforcing English proficiency rules. Drivers who fail to meet the language requirement may be denied new or renewed commercial driver’s licenses.

Potential Impact on LTL/FTL Services

Area    Potential Impact

Driver Shortages    The pause on work visas may worsen existing driver shortages, particularly for long-haul and interstate routes. 
Compliance Risks    Drivers failing English tests risk losing their licenses, which could reduce available capacity. 
Higher Operating Costs    Companies may face added costs for training, compliance checks, and driver evaluations, potentially driving up freight rates.
Delivery Delays     Increased roadside inspections and stricter enforcement in some states could lead to longer transit times or route changes.  

Conclusion

These new regulations reflect the government’s focus on road safety and driver qualifications but also present challenges for the trucking industry. Shippers should plan ahead, adjust schedules, and account for potential delays due to driver shortages or stricter roadside checks.

Goodship provide nationwide LTL and FTL trucking services to help businesses maintain stable supply chains and ensure on-time delivery despite regulatory changes. Contact us today to discuss a tailored solution for your shipments.