Opinion: English requirement for truck drivers threatens cross-border logistics ...Middle East

Binational land transportation was one of the last elements of the old NAFTA to come into effect. In those years, as now, a multitude of barriers arose that impeded the free movement of truck drivers. Mexico had to be very firm for years to enforce this requirement, which absurdly increased border transportation costs.

Now a new executive order signed by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has reactivated an old requirement for truck operators: having a functional command of the English language to be able to travel within U.S. territory. Although the rule is not new, its rigorous implementation could significantly alter land trade between Mexico and the United States.

The measure, titled “Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers,” seeks to strengthen highway safety, but also poses a serious operational and logistical challenge for companies engaged in cross-border transportation.

Old requirement revisited

For years, U.S. regulations have required commercial drivers to demonstrate basic English skills, including the ability to read signs, respond to verbal instructions, and complete documentation. However, this requirement has been applied laxly, especially in the case of foreign operators.

The new executive order instructs the federal transportation authorities to strictly enforce this criterion. If a driver cannot communicate effectively in English, they may be declared “out of service,” meaning their vehicle will be detained until the situation is resolved.

Mexico and the United States maintain one of the most dynamic trade relationships in the world. More than 70% of the binational commercial exchange is conducted through land transportation, with thousands of trucks crossing the border daily. These vehicles transport everything from agricultural products such as avocados and tomatoes to industrial parts, electronics, and medical equipment.

Many of these vehicles are operated by Mexican carriers, some with licenses issued in the U.S. and others with specific permits for cross-border transit. The language requirement makes no distinction between resident and non-resident drivers, posing a challenge for operators who until now had met logistics standards but not linguistic ones.

Serious consequences

This measure could become an additional obstacle for supply chains, which already face challenges such as border congestion, a shortage of truck drivers, and inflated logistics costs. The driver shortage in the United States — estimated at more than 80,000 vacancies — could worsen if international carriers are excluded for language reasons.

Unlike other regulations, this provision does not provide a transition period or adjustment mechanisms for foreign operators. This increases uncertainty in key sectors that depend on reliable logistics, such as automotive and electronics, where a delay can translate into production stoppages and millions of dollars in losses.

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement seeks more integrated and efficient trade between the three countries. While each nation retains its regulatory sovereignty, the use of technical standards as non-tariff barriers must be addressed within the framework of the agreement.

The unilateral activation of a standard without prior consultation violates the principle of cooperation that governs the trade agreement. The way this policy is applied raises questions about its compatibility with the commitments made under the USMCA.

Mexico must assess whether this measure constitutes an unjustified restriction on trade and, if so, resort to the dialogue and dispute resolution mechanisms provided for in the agreement. Given this new reality, companies offering transportation services in the United States must act quickly. Complying with technical documentation and vehicle safety requirements is not enough. It will now be necessary for their operators to demonstrate English fluency, especially at an inspection.

Immediate recommendations include:

These measures could reduce the risk of vehicle immobilization and maintain operating continuity in an increasingly regulated environment.

In addition to these actions, companies on both sides of the border must ensure that there are:

In particular, the Mexican government must provide legal protection and technical assistance for carriers facing sanctions. At the diplomatic level, a channel of dialogue must be opened to address this measure and its impact on the supply chain.

The importance of ensuring road safety is undeniable. However, applying a criterion suddenly, without coordination or support measures, has counterproductive consequences: paralyzing routes, increasing costs, and even jeopardizing regional competitiveness.

This measure sets a precedent. It signals how domestic regulations could be used to limit market access, even within a free trade agreement. It is also a reminder of the fragility of logistics integration in the face of unilateral decisions. If not handled diplomatically, this measure could result in major disruptions to trade between Mexico and the United States. It is time to respond with strategic intelligence and a regional vision.

Dr. Bertha Martínez-Cisneros is a professor-researcher in supply chain, cross-border trade, and the circular economy at CETYS University in Tijuana.

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