Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is helping the trucking industry recover from the challenges posed by illegal migrant drivers due to President Joe Biden’s policies.
Shannon Everett, co-founder of American Truckers United, expressed that the industry’s renewed optimism stems from Secretary Duffy’s support. He remarked that this newfound hope could translate into greater voter engagement in 2026, as American truckers recognize the need to participate politically.
The trucking sector comprises approximately 8 million Americans nationwide. Everett mentioned that, while Duffy has been supportive, ongoing challenges arise from federal agencies and legislators. He noted that he and other reform advocates have engaged with White House officials about these issues.
Since taking office, Duffy has begun addressing the repercussions of Biden’s trucking policies. His administration recently reinstated an enforcement rule mandating that drivers must understand English, resulting in law enforcement removing over 7,000 foreign truckers from U.S. highways. Moreover, federal agencies are increasing enforcement against unauthorized foreign truckers.
Duffy has threatened to withhold millions in funding from California for permitting illegal migrants to operate large trucks on highways. He has also criticized the American Trucking Association (ATA) for propagating the idea of a “trucker shortage” that has led to an influx of foreign drivers undermining the industry’s stability.
According to Duffy, the industry requires qualified drivers rather than merely filling positions, emphasizing that American drivers must uphold the high standards of professionalism and safety required in trucking. Despite his efforts, Duffy faces barriers, including potential legal challenges and concerns regarding the rapid removal of foreign drivers impacting companies, such as USPS, during busy seasons.
Supporters of American truckers argue that Biden’s migration policies have fostered a significant black market within the trucking sector. This issue not only threatens the livelihoods of professional drivers but also poses safety risks as unqualified drivers can cause dangerous situations on the road. There is a pressing need for insurance companies to adjust their policies to reflect the economic damage inflicted by these black-market operations, ensuring accountability for any negligence.
