Effects of Trump’s New Regulations on the Trucking Industry
In April 2025, the Trump Administration implemented a new executive order designed to enhance the safety of truck drivers across the country. The Federal law mandates that all commercial vehicle operators in the U.S. must be “adequately qualified and proficient in [the] national language, English.”
Importantly, any driver who does not pass the language assessment risks being deemed “out-of-service,” which prevents them from legally driving a commercial vehicle until they meet the language proficiency requirements. While this measure aims to ensure driver safety, it may pose challenges for foreign drivers with limited English skills, thereby potentially reducing the pool of eligible drivers.
Additionally, Trump’s blanket 10% tariff on all imports, along with increased duties on goods from specific countries like Mexico, will directly affect the trucking sector. This new tariff framework is expected to raise the costs of imported goods, which could lead to a decline in shipments entering the U.S.
Tariffs have the potential to disrupt existing supply chains, compelling trucking companies to remain flexible and adjust their established logistics routes to continue operating effectively.
“Tariffs on imported components and materials—such as tires, engines, or electronics—could hike costs for fleet upkeep and new truck acquisitions, squeezing profit margins that are already tight,” – Anthony Sasso, President of Equipment Finance at TD Bank
For instance, businesses that previously relied on importing goods from affected countries may need to shift to sourcing from alternative regions to respond to these new challenges.
