Trump's Executive Order: Implications for OTR Trucking

By A.J. DeGroot, Vice President of Operations, Mariner Logistics 

On April 28, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order titled "Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers." The policy revives a long-standing, but loosely enforced requirement: that commercial truck drivers must be able to speak and read English well enough to understand traffic signs, communicate with officials, and complete reports. 

For our most recent update on the EO, check out our post, English-Speaking Order Goes into Effect: What’s Next for OTR Trucking?

While on the surface, this may seem like a simple matter of language skills, the implications run far deeper. The order signals a decisive shift toward strengthening accountability and safety across the over-the-road (OTR) trucking industry. 

As someone who oversees day-to-day operations at Mariner Logistics, I see this not only as a move toward safer roads but as a rallying cry for better carrier vetting, stronger compliance, and a renewed commitment to protecting freight from fraud and theft. 

In other words, the intent of this order isn’t just about English proficiency. It’s about ensuring the people behind the wheel are who they say they are—and that they’re qualified to operate safely. That couldn't be more critical in today’s increasing freight fraud and cargo theft environment.

Language Enforcement Highlights Deeper Safety Issues 

The executive order directs the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to roll back a 2016 guidance that eased enforcement of English language requirements. Within 60 days, drivers who don’t meet the standard can be placed out of service. Additionally, the order calls for a review of non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) to uncover irregularities. 

This move has drawn support from major industry voices. Dan Horvath of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) stated, “We thank the Trump Administration for responding to our concerns on the uneven application of this existing regulation.” 

But the real issue isn’t just language, it’s identity. Who’s driving the truck? Are they qualified? Is the carrier legitimate? If we can’t answer those questions with confidence, we’re inviting risk into our roads and supply chains. 

As Michael Caney, Chief Commercial Officer from our great partner Highway, puts it: “Fraud thrives because the industry hasn’t solved the identity problem. Verify who’s hauling your freight, and risks plummet.” 

A Surge in Freight Fraud and Cargo Theft 

This executive order couldn’t come at a more urgent time. According to a 2024 Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) report, freight fraud is costing the industry an estimated $800 million per year. One of the biggest culprits? Double brokering, where criminals pose as legitimate carriers, steal loads, and vanish. 

Cargo theft is rising, too. CargoNet reported a 46% increase in theft incidents between 2022 and 2024, with the average loss per theft nearing $250,000. These aren’t isolated events, they’re systemic weaknesses being exploited. 

Weak carrier vetting enables this. Scammers use stolen MC numbers or fake email domains to infiltrate broker systems. In one case, a fraudster used a Gmail address to secure a $100,000 load, then disappeared, leaving the broker and shipper holding the bag. 

Add to that the ongoing misuse of B-1 visas by foreign drivers illegally hauling domestic U.S. freight. These drivers often accept lower wages, undercutting lawful operators while bypassing proper qualifications and safety standards. As one fuel hauler in South Texas put it, “I can’t compete with B-1 drivers taking less pay.” 

But this isn’t just a pricing issue. When drivers operate under the radar, outside the scope of legal vetting and compliance frameworks, the safety risks ripple across the entire freight ecosystem. Inadequate vetting allows these operators to slip through cracks, exposing shippers, brokers, and the public to unqualified drivers hauling high-value or hazardous loads. 

A 2022 report from the Congressional Research Service confirmed that B-1 visa misuse in trucking is a persistent concern, flagging enforcement difficulties and regulatory gray areas that allow unauthorized operations to persist. As Bob Costello, Chief Economist at the American Trucking Associations, cautions: “Using B-1 drivers for domestic loads is illegal—it’s why the market’s suffering.” 

Vetting Is the Industry's Best Defense 

Robust vetting slams the door on fraud and bolsters safety. For example, at Mariner, we use Highway’s advanced tools to flag suspicious patterns, like mismatched email domains or fleets with unusually high inspection rates. This kind of early warning system keeps fraudulent or unqualified carriers from ever getting access to our freight, saving us time, money, and risk. 

This isn’t just our approach—it’s becoming the industry standard. Experts across logistics agree that digital vetting platforms offer a better line of defense. As Brent Hutto of Truckstop told Transport Topics, “When you add in the technology piece, the identity piece, and how you validate who you're doing business with... that’s the only way to prevent theft and fraud before it happens.”  

The safety benefits are just as clear. Carriers that pass through rigorous digital vetting are more likely to have valid insurance, well-maintained equipment, and properly licensed drivers. In high-risk scenarios, those checks matter. Miscommunication, often tied to unvetted or undocumented drivers, can lead to serious consequences, like missing hazard signs or failing to respond correctly in emergencies. 

Moving Forward: Accountability and Innovation 

This executive order is more than just a policy shift—it’s a wake-up call for the over-the-road (OTR) industry. We must move beyond treating safety and vetting as routine checkboxes and recognize them as critical safeguards that protect lives, freight, and the integrity of our logistics system. 

Implementing stronger vetting procedures requires time and investment. While some carriers express frustration over delays due to increased scrutiny, this level of diligence is essential. It's about ensuring that only qualified and compliant carriers are entrusted with freight, thereby minimizing risks associated with fraud and accidents. 

The correlation between robust compliance programs and improved safety outcomes is well-supported. According to the FMCSA’s Safety Measurement System, carriers with better safety management practices consistently have lower violation rates and fewer accidents. This reinforces why investing in thorough vetting and compliance isn't optional; it’s essential.