Petition to the United States House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
The Honorable Sam Graves Chair, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Subject: Urgent Requirement for U.S. CDL’s for All Commercial Truck Drivers
Dear Honorable Members of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
We, the undersigned, are concerned citizens, truck drivers, safety advocates, and stakeholders from various sectors of the economy, who collectively urge you to consider the immediate implementation of a mandate requiring all commercial truck drivers operating within the United States to possess a valid U.S. Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Rationale:
- National Security and Identity Verification: The current system’s inability to fully validate the identities and driving credentials of foreign drivers within our borders poses significant security risks. A unified CDL requirement would streamline the process of identity and background checks, enhancing national security by ensuring that only individuals who meet stringent U.S. standards operate commercial vehicles.
- Safety and Accident Reduction: Uniform standards for commercial drivers are crucial for road safety. Accidents involving commercial vehicles can be catastrophic. A standardized CDL ensures that all drivers, regardless of their country of origin, adhere to U.S. driving laws, regulations, and safety protocols, potentially reducing accidents caused by unfamiliarity with local traffic norms.
- Economic Efficiency and Fair Competition: Enforcing a U.S. CDL requirement would level the playing field for American truck drivers and companies. Current discrepancies in licensing can lead to unfair advantages in terms of labor costs and operational regulations, which might undercut local businesses and job opportunities.
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance: With cross-border commerce, there’s often confusion or misuse of foreign driving credentials. A U.S. CDL requirement would clarify legal responsibilities, ensuring that all commercial drivers are fully aware of and compliant with U.S. traffic and commercial vehicle regulations.
- Public Trust and System Integrity: The public’s trust in the transportation system is paramount. When enforcement officers cannot confidently validate a driver’s license or identity, it undermines the credibility of our regulatory and safety systems. A U.S. CDL for all would restore public confidence in the rigorousness of our commercial driver standards.
Action Requested:
Legislation Implementation: We petition for the introduction and passage of legislation that mandates all commercial truck drivers, including those from foreign countries, to obtain a U.S. CDL if they are to operate commercial vehicles within the U.S.
Support for Transition: Recognizing that this change could initially pose challenges, we also request the establishment of support programs, possibly in collaboration with states, to facilitate the transition for foreign drivers, including language support, testing accommodations, and possibly, temporary licenses under very strict conditions.
Enhanced Enforcement: Strengthen border and state enforcement capabilities to ensure compliance with this new mandate, providing the necessary tools and training to officers for validation of CDLs.
Conclusion: The integrity of our transportation system, the safety of our roads, and the economic fairness for American drivers and companies hinge on this necessary reform. We urge you to consider the broader implications of a unified CDL requirement not just as a regulatory measure but as a cornerstone for national security, safety, and economic equity. Thank you for considering this petition. We look forward to your leadership in addressing this critical issue.
Sincerely,
American Truckers United and Fellow Petitioners