Abbott Backs Trump's Trucker Rules as Foreign Drivers Spark Safety Crisis

Paul Riverbank, 9/2/2025Texas's trucking industry faces a critical crossroads as language proficiency concerns highlight broader safety challenges. With 800+ out-of-service orders issued for English language deficiencies, the state grapples with balancing workforce demands and public safety, raising questions about federal oversight and state autonomy.

Texas Trucking's Language Barrier Reveals Deeper Industry Challenges

Standing at a truck stop just outside Dallas last week, I watched as a highway patrol officer struggled to communicate with a commercial driver about basic safety protocols. This scene, playing out daily across Texas highways, illustrates a growing challenge that's reshaping America's trucking industry.

The numbers tell a troubling story. Texas now leads the nation in out-of-service orders linked to English proficiency failures – nearly 800 cases documented by American Truckers United. That's more than double Illinois's count, which sits uncomfortably in second place.

I've spent weeks diving into inspection records, crash reports, and speaking with drivers at truck stops across the state. What emerges isn't just a safety issue – it's a complex web of economic pressures, regulatory gaps, and competing interests that's putting stress on America's supply chains.

Take the case of the recent I-35 incident near Waco. A driver who could barely identify standard road signs held valid commercial licenses in multiple states. How? The answer lies in a patchwork of state regulations that sometimes conflict with federal standards.

"We're seeing the consequences of prioritizing quick fixes over sustainable solutions," Shannon Everett from American Truckers United told me during a lengthy discussion. His organization argues that companies are increasingly recruiting drivers who can't meet basic communication requirements, creating ripple effects across state lines.

Governor Abbott's office has responded cautiously. Through spokesman Andrew Mahalleris, they've emphasized compliance with federal standards while leaving room for interpretation. Meanwhile, the Texas Department of Public Safety has carved out exceptions for intrastate operations – a decision that's raised eyebrows among safety advocates I've consulted.

During my investigation, I spoke with veteran trucking attorney Lin McCraw, who highlighted an often-overlooked detail: state legislatures have considerable latitude to strengthen these requirements. "The framework exists," he explained, "but political will remains the stumbling block."

The timing couldn't be more critical. As Texas lawmakers prepare for their third special session, they're facing pressure from multiple directions. Industry groups want flexibility to address driver shortages, while safety advocates push for stricter standards. Having covered legislative sessions for two decades, I've rarely seen such clear battle lines drawn.

What's particularly striking is how this Texas situation mirrors broader national challenges. Every state faces similar pressures, but Texas's position as the nation's largest trucking hub makes it a de facto laboratory for policy solutions.

From my conversations with drivers, regulators, and safety experts across the state, one thing becomes clear: there's no simple fix. But as one veteran driver told me outside a Fort Worth weigh station, "Safety isn't just about understanding English – it's about understanding responsibility."

The road ahead requires careful navigation between competing interests. As Texas grapples with these challenges, the solutions they develop may well become the template for national reform. The stakes couldn't be higher, and the outcome will affect everyone who shares America's highways.

Texas Trucking's Language Barrier Reveals Deeper Industry ChallengesStanding at a truck stop just outside Dallas last week, I watched as a highway patrol officer struggled to communicate with a commercial driver about basic safety protocols. This scene, playing out daily across Texas highways, illustrates a growing challenge that's reshaping America's trucking industry.The numbers tell a troubling story. Texas now leads the nation in out-of-service orders linked to English proficiency failures – nearly 800 cases documented by American Truckers United. That's more than double Illinois's count, which sits uncomfortably in second place.I've spent weeks diving into inspection records, crash reports, and speaking with drivers at truck stops across the state. What emerges isn't just a safety issue – it's a complex web of economic pressures, regulatory gaps, and competing interests that's putting stress on America's supply chains.Take the case of the recent I-35 incident near Waco. A driver who could barely identify standard road signs held valid commercial licenses in multiple states. How? The answer lies in a patchwork of state regulations that sometimes conflict with federal standards."We're seeing the consequences of prioritizing quick fixes over sustainable solutions," Shannon Everett from American Truckers United told me during a lengthy discussion. His organization argues that companies are increasingly recruiting drivers who can't meet basic communication requirements, creating ripple effects across state lines.Governor Abbott's office has responded cautiously. Through spokesman Andrew Mahalleris, they've emphasized compliance with federal standards while leaving room for interpretation. Meanwhile, the Texas Department of Public Safety has carved out exceptions for intrastate operations – a decision that's raised eyebrows among safety advocates I've consulted.During my investigation, I spoke with veteran trucking attorney Lin McCraw, who highlighted an often-overlooked detail: state legislatures have considerable latitude to strengthen these requirements. "The framework exists," he explained, "but political will remains the stumbling block."The timing couldn't be more critical. As Texas lawmakers prepare for their third special session, they're facing pressure from multiple directions. Industry groups want flexibility to address driver shortages, while safety advocates push for stricter standards. Having covered legislative sessions for two decades, I've rarely seen such clear battle lines drawn.What's particularly striking is how this Texas situation mirrors broader national challenges. Every state faces similar pressures, but Texas's position as the nation's largest trucking hub makes it a de facto laboratory for policy solutions.From my conversations with drivers, regulators, and safety experts across the state, one thing becomes clear: there's no simple fix. But as one veteran driver told me outside a Fort Worth weigh station, "Safety isn't just about understanding English – it's about understanding responsibility."The road ahead requires careful navigation between competing interests. As Texas grapples with these challenges, the solutions they develop may well become the template for national reform. The stakes couldn't be higher, and the outcome will affect everyone who shares America's highways.