The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation have initiated a joint investigation into truck driver schools. This inquiry focuses on improper certifications and falsified records related to commercial driver’s licenses, particularly for non-citizens.
Freedom Haulers Initiative
President Donald Trump is set to launch the Freedom Haulers initiative, aimed at transitioning military veterans into commercial truck driving roles. This initiative also seeks to address concerns regarding illegal immigrant and non-English-speaking truck drivers.
“President Trump’s administration has made our roads safer by removing illegal aliens, non-English-speaking truck drivers from America’s highways. Through the Freedom Haulers initiative, opportunities for veterans will expand,” stated White House spokesperson Anna Kelly.
The initiative involves a collaboration between the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Transportation, and Labor. It strives to provide veterans with easier access to commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) post-service. Eligible veterans will have an extended waiver period of 24 months after active duty to obtain expedited CDLs. CDL training will be provided to veterans without prior heavy commercial vehicle experience.
Veteran Employment and Safety
Werner Enterprises, a Nebraska-based trucking company, plans to recruit 1,400 veteran drivers as part of the initiative. The administration highlights efforts to improve highway safety and bolster the nation’s trucking workforce. These efforts come amid concerns regarding improper licensing and English proficiency among commercial drivers.
Reports from the Department of Transportation indicate that stricter enforcement of English-language proficiency has led to the removal of over 24,000 CDLs. Furthermore, more than 28,000 licenses issued to noncitizens were canceled due to improper issuance.
Fatal Crashes and Recent Changes
The initiative was introduced following several fatal accidents involving illegal immigrant truck drivers, including a recent incident where a state trooper was killed by a truck driven by a Haitian national in Pennsylvania.
The Department of Transportation also reports that veteran truck drivers exhibit 42% fewer accidents and cover 98% more miles than their non-veteran counterparts. DOT notes that truck drivers experienced a 7.42% wage increase during the Trump administration, compared to a 3% decline under President Biden.