Canadian truckers are seeking clarity as new U.S. regulations will place drivers who can’t demonstrate English proficiency out of service starting June 25. The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) has launched a survey to gather industry feedback, particularly concerning restrictions on using translation technology during enforcement interactions.
Of significant concern is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) guidance prohibiting technological assistance when communicating with enforcement officers. This directive comes after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy signed an order implementing the out-of-service criteria.
“The Canadian industry needs to determine how the current use of technology to interact with enforcement officials in English will be impacted,” said CTA CEO and president Stephen Laskowski. “This will be critical in determining how the evolution of this enforcement policy applies to the long-standing English-language proficiency requirements.”
The FMCSA published a heavily redacted version of its enforcement guidance earlier this week, leaving many questions unanswered. CTA officials are now working with U.S. enforcement to understand the rationale behind the technology ban.
Laskowski believes technology could offer solutions rather than barriers. “Industry and enforcement officials on both sides of the border need to work together to develop modern compliance options that will allow fleets and their drivers who are committed to safety and security to thrive in an evolving enforcement environment,” he said.
The alliance is also seeking clarity on how enforcement will handle fraudulent commercial driver’s licenses and general truck safety concerns under the new regulations.
Canadian fleets and drivers can provide input through a survey launched by the CTA. Their responses will help shape the organization’s approach to navigating these new enforcement criteria.