Decoding Secretary Duffy’s Driver ‘Timeout’: What It Means for Trucking and Logistics

What Does ‘Out-of-Service’ Really Mean for Truck Drivers?

In December 2025, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that 9,500 truck drivers had been placed “out-of-service” for not meeting English language proficiency standards. It made headlines, giving the impression these drivers were being booted from the industry for good. But hold your horses—that’s not quite the story.

Think of this as a coaching timeout rather than a red card in a soccer game. These drivers aren’t banned forever—they’re on a mandatory pause until they can prove they meet the English language requirements, much like a referee calling for a break to sort things out before play resumes. The duration of this pause varies, depending on the individual situation.

The Difference Between Vehicle and Driver Out-of-Service Rules

It’s important to distinguish between the out-of-service status for vehicles and for drivers. Vehicle out-of-service violations commonly stem from mechanical faults—like brake issues, steering problems, or faulty tires. The fix is usually straightforward: get repairs done, document them properly, and get back on the road, often within hours.

Driver-related violations, however, are trickier. If a driver’s license is expired, suspended, or doesn’t cover the cargo being hauled, they’re sidelined until the problem is resolved, which can take days. Now, add the English language proficiency requirement into this mix, and you’re dealing with an even more complex challenge. The driver must demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in English for safety and regulatory compliance.

A Long-Standing, But Revived Rule

The English proficiency rule isn’t some brand-new demand—it has roots stretching back to 1937. Under federal regulation 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2), commercial drivers must “read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records.”

What has shifted dramatically over time is how this rule is enforced. Between 2015 and 2024, abstract enforcement meant violations led to citations but drivers largely stayed on the road. That flipped in 2025, following an executive order that restored English proficiency as a strict out-of-service criterion. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) responded quickly, reinstating the rule and ushering in a stricter enforcement regime.

The English Proficiency Assessment: A Subjective and Contentious Process

Roadside inspections now must be conducted entirely in English. When an inspector suspects a driver might not meet the standard, they initiate an English language proficiency assessment. This includes a face-to-face interview and identification of highway traffic signs. Interestingly, drivers are not allowed to use help tools such as translation apps, cue cards, or phone interpreters during the test — a move justified by officials as necessary to see the true grasp of English communication.

This method, though well-intended, often leads to inconsistent results. Some drivers have been stopped at night for language concerns only to be cleared by a different officer in the morning. It’s a classic case of “two heads are better than one,” but also a reminder that human judgment can vary widely, leading to frustration within the industry.

The Wider Scope: Non-Domiciled CDL Audits and Enforcement Pressure

English proficiency is part of a larger government crackdown, including audits of non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). There is federal pressure on states to tighten regulations to prevent unqualified drivers from slipping through the cracks. Some states, including California, face hefty fines and risks of losing federal highway funding if enforcement lapses persist. Though court challenges have slowed down some emergency rules, the push for tighter CDL controls and language standards shows no signs of fading.

Implications for Drivers and the Trucking Industry

Despite media buzz saying thousands of drivers are “off the road for good,” these individuals retain their CDLs and only need to demonstrate English proficiency to get back behind the wheel. For some, that means waiting out shifting shift changes at truck stops; for others, it’s enrolling in courses to improve language skills. Companies like Babbel have even targeted commercial drivers as a growing market for English language learning.

This “timeout” isn’t just a regulatory hurdle but a real career disruption for some drivers. It’s a reminder that behind every rule, there are real people facing the challenge of adaptation in an evolving transport ecosystem.

Why This Matters in Logistics

The renewed focus on English proficiency touches more than just individual drivers—it has ripple effects throughout logistics and cargo transportation. Driver availability and compliance affect freight scheduling, delivery reliability, and operational costs. Transport companies may face delays while drivers undergo training or wait for re-assessments. On the flip side, stronger communication capabilities enhance safety and efficiency on the roads, which benefits the entire supply chain.

Platforms like GetTransport.com, which offer affordable global cargo transportation services, understand these nuances. Their flexibility in offering transport solutions for everything from bulk shipments to vehicle moves highlights the importance of navigating evolving industry challenges. Whether it’s moving office equipment, household goods, or bulky freight, understanding the realities truckers face helps ensure smooth, reliable shipment and delivery processes.

Summary and Final Thoughts

In short, Secretary Duffy’s announcement about drivers placed out-of-service for English proficiency should be seen as a “timeout,” not a permanent send-off from the industry. The policy revives a long-standing rule that’s been enforced inconsistently over the years. The subjective nature of proficiency assessments means outcomes can vary widely, making it a thorny problem for drivers and regulators alike.

Alongside this, the broader scrutiny on non-domiciled CDL holders signals a trend toward tighter regulation across the trucking industry. While this may cause temporary hold-ups in freight forwarding, haulage, and distribution, it underscores a commitment to safety and compliance that ultimately benefits the flow of goods globally.

At the end of the day, no amount of reviews or feedback can match the clarity that comes from personal experience. On GetTransport.com, users can secure cost-effective, reliable cargo transportation solutions worldwide, providing peace of mind when navigating such regulatory landscapes. The platform’s transparent details about vehicles and drivers before booking empower shippers to make informed decisions without surprises.

GetTransport.com provides a broad range of services from small parcel deliveries to large container moves, making it easier than ever to manage your logistics needs amid industry changes. Start planning your next delivery and secure your cargo with GetTransport.com.

Wrapping It Up: What This Means for Your Freight

Understanding the ‘out-of-service’ status for truck drivers due to English proficiency is crucial for anyone involved in shipping, logistics, and freight transport. This enforcement is more of a pause button than a full stop—drivers maintain their licenses and can return to work once they meet the standards. Still, it introduces additional considerations for cargo distribution and moving companies, especially regarding scheduling and reliability.

GetTransport.com stands out by supporting the complex world of international and domestic transport with transparency, affordability, and variety. Whether you’re relocating an office, moving bulky goods, or managing a container shipment, you can rest easy knowing you’re backed by a platform that understands and adapts to the realities of modern logistics.