Borderland trucking companies are facing severe labour shortages and financial losses following the US government's suspension of work visas for Mexican commercial drivers and stricter enforcement of English proficiency rules, reports USA Today.
The policy shift, announced on 21 August, followed a fatal crash in Florida involving a non-English-speaking driver without legal status. While aimed at improving safety, the move has removed thousands of legal drivers from US roads, disrupting supply chains and hurting small operators.
Osman Morales, owner of OT Trucking in El Paso, said his firm lost US$240,000 in monthly revenue due to the visa cuts. He now drives shipments himself, citing a lack of applicants and declining freight volumes at key entry points like Sierra Blanca and Laredo.
Truckers in Juarez are taking English classes to meet new requirements, but confusion persists. New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler said federal authorities failed to provide standardised testing guidance, forcing states to create their own procedures.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy defended the crackdown, saying drivers must be able to read and speak English to operate safely. Federal data shows Texas removed nearly 350 drivers, the highest among five states affected.
Manuel Sotelo of the National Chamber of Autotransport in Juarez said the rules are deterring qualified drivers. The impact is felt across agriculture, retail and manufacturing sectors reliant on cross-border freight, with firms scrambling to maintain delivery schedules.
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The policy shift, announced on 21 August, followed a fatal crash in Florida involving a non-English-speaking driver without legal status. While aimed at improving safety, the move has removed thousands of legal drivers from US roads, disrupting supply chains and hurting small operators.
Osman Morales, owner of OT Trucking in El Paso, said his firm lost US$240,000 in monthly revenue due to the visa cuts. He now drives shipments himself, citing a lack of applicants and declining freight volumes at key entry points like Sierra Blanca and Laredo.
Truckers in Juarez are taking English classes to meet new requirements, but confusion persists. New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler said federal authorities failed to provide standardised testing guidance, forcing states to create their own procedures.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy defended the crackdown, saying drivers must be able to read and speak English to operate safely. Federal data shows Texas removed nearly 350 drivers, the highest among five states affected.
Manuel Sotelo of the National Chamber of Autotransport in Juarez said the rules are deterring qualified drivers. The impact is felt across agriculture, retail and manufacturing sectors reliant on cross-border freight, with firms scrambling to maintain delivery schedules.
SeaNews Turkey
