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On April 28, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order aimed at strengthening the enforcement of English language proficiency requirements for commercial vehicle drivers operating in the United States. Although this requirement has long existed under federal regulation (49 CFR 391.11(b)(2)), enforcement was relaxed in 2016 under the Obama administration, allowing non-English-speaking drivers to continue operating despite language-related infractions.
When does this measure take effect?
The executive order will officially take effect on June 25, 2025. From that date forward, any driver operating in the U.S. must be able to read and understand traffic signs in English, communicate verbally with authorities, and comprehend written or spoken instructions issued by law enforcement.
⚠️ What is changing in practical terms?
- As of June 25, 2025, any driver who cannot demonstrate sufficient English proficiency may be placed immediately Out-of-Service.
- This measure applies to all commercial vehicle drivers, including those from Canada.
- S. authorities, such as customs officers and road safety enforcement agents, will be authorized to carry out random checks, even without prior infraction, if they suspect the driver lacks sufficient English skills.
Impacts for Québec-Based Trucking Companies
Québec trucking companies, whose drivers are often francophone, now face increased vulnerability:
- Sudden service disruptions due to drivers being placed Out-of-Service.
- Delivery delays that could trigger contractual penalties or result in lost business.
- A heightened risk of cargo theft, particularly if trucks are immobilized in unsecured areas.
- Significant logistical costs to repatriate drivers and deploy replacements.
- Damage to reputation, both with clients and within the industry.
- Increased scrutiny of operating permits, especially if similar incidents multiply.
Integrating the Issue into the Business Continuity Plan (BCP)
This regulatory measure is a clear example of an operational risk stemming from legislation. It highlights the importance of integrating legal and regulatory shifts into an organizational resilience approach. A sound Business Continuity Plan (BCP) must go beyond natural disasters and cyberattacks — it must also anticipate new rules that can disrupt operations. Here are some examples:
🔒 Cargo and Vehicle Security
- Establish a clear protocol for immediate cargo and vehicle security if a driver is removed from duty.
- Identify S.-based partners for secure temporary warehousing of goods.
- Assess the risks related to extended immobilization, particularly for perishable goods (e.g., loss of cold chain, spoilage of sensitive cargo).
👥 Repatriation and Replacement of the Driver
- Integrate a rapid response protocol for repatriating a driver placed Out-of-Service (e.g., plane ticket, long-distance taxi, cross-border assistance).
- Maintain a list of certified backup drivers who can be dispatched quickly to complete deliveries in the U.S.
- Provide access to legal or psychological support for drivers who may find themselves alone and vulnerable in a foreign country.
📢 Communication and Reputation
- Prepare prewritten messages to quickly inform clients of delays while reassuring them of your management of the situation.
- Maintain a crisis communications protocol in case the situation becomes public (e.g., blocked cargo, viral videos on social media).
- Update service commitments on B2B platforms (e.g., Loadlink, Transcore) to protect your reputation score.
🧾 Legal and Licensing Considerations
- Review contractual terms in U.S. transportation agreements: some clauses may impose heavy penalties for delays, even if caused by a government decree.
- Anticipate implications for commercial insurance, especially in the event of claims for revenue loss or damaged goods.
Concrete Recommendations for Trucking Companies
- Assess the English language proficiency of all cross-border drivers using simple diagnostic tools.
- Offer targeted training to improve understanding of road signs, oral instructions, and English-language documents.
- Update your Business Continuity Plan to include this regulatory scenario.
- Establish a logistics support network in the U.S., including replacement drivers, partner warehouses, and security firms.
- Inform your clients now — not to cause concern, but to demonstrate your proactive approach and reinforce trust.
- Discuss with insurers the extent of coverage in cases of service interruption due to Out-of-Service orders for language non-compliance.
Conclusion
Borders may remain open, but the rules are changing. This U.S. executive order shows how a simple administrative or linguistic issue can derail a delivery, or even an entire supply chain for a key client. English proficiency has now become an operational resilience issue, on par with a mechanical breakdown or IT outage.
Companies that account for this new reality in their continuity planning will be better prepared — and less surprised — when it matters most.
➡️ If you wish to assess your vulnerabilities, revise your Business Continuity Plan, or implement a clear procedure to manage cross-border disruptions, the team at Benoit Racette Services-conseils inc. can assist you with this strategic process, in complete confidentiality. Contact us today: [email protected].