The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Transportation (DOT) have launched an investigation into truck driver schools accused of fraudulent practices. The focus is on improper certifications and falsified records, particularly involving commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) issued to non-citizens.
President Donald Trump has announced the Freedom Haulers initiative, which aims to create more opportunities for military veterans to become commercial truck drivers. This initiative also strengthens the administration’s efforts to remove illegal immigrant and non-English-speaking truck drivers from the roads.
President Trump’s administration has made our roads safer by taking illegal alien, non-English-speaking truck drivers off America’s highways. Now, through the Freedom Haulers initiative, the president is expanding opportunities for our veterans by making it easier to obtain commercial driver’s licenses once they conclude their service,” said White House spokesperson Anna Kelly.
The administration’s plan is twofold: crackdown on illegally licensed drivers and increase veteran recruitment in the trucking industry. The announcement was made by Trump, along with DOT Secretary Sean Duffy, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, and acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling.
The DOT will extend the waiver period for veterans to receive expedited CDLs from 12 months to 24 months after active-duty service. For those without experience in driving heavy commercial vehicles during military service, CDL training will be available.
Indiana and Wyoming have joined the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Even Exchange program, facilitating the transition for military drivers to civilian CDLs. Werner Enterprises plans to hire 1,400 new veteran drivers, supporting the program’s goals.
The administration highlights its ongoing crackdown on improperly licensed commercial drivers. Over 24,000 CDLs have been removed due to non-compliance with English-language proficiency requirements. Additionally, more than 28,000 CDLs were canceled because they were erroneously issued to noncitizen drivers.
This initiative addresses highway safety and reinforces the trucking workforce. It comes after fatal crashes involving illegal immigrant drivers in several states. A Pennsylvania State Police trooper was killed by a semitruck operated by a Haitian national, further underscoring the necessity for these changes.
During the Trump administration, truck drivers experienced a 7.42% increase in real wages, contrasting with a 3% decline under President Biden. Veteran truck drivers have 42% fewer accidents and drive 98% more miles than their non-veteran counterparts, reinforcing the initiative’s impact on safety and supply chain strength.
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