Foreign Trucking Danger Exaggerated by Authorities Posted by DC Cargo Mall on October 28, 2013

Language can sometimes be a barrier if the one you speak most is not shared with the country you live, and truck in.

The sign that tells you the upcoming bridge will slice off the top of your truck, the sign that lets you know you’ve entered Boise, Idaho, the sign that warns you from trespassing, in fact, every sign, is in English. If you’re lucky, some signs are number or picture oriented, and others have words but translation as well, not necessarily in your language though.

Then there are directions. Your dispatcher has probably explained your route and loading details in his main language, and if it isn’t yours, you can either understand or find a translator, or, it seems- just have a nice (confused) day.

Well, say it’s a good day for you, and your dispatcher explained things in your native tongue. The signs you pass are mostly either basic enough, numbered, or translated.

But then you must go through inspection. You’ve got to fill out forms, and answer questions.

Some of the questions seem too complicated, you get flustered, and too nervous to show any weaknesses to the officer for fear that he will classify you as unfit and unsafe to maneuver the roads as a non-fluent English speaker.

Since 1936, FMCSA and its predecessors have interpreted the rule (Section 391(b)(2) of 49 Code of Federal Regulations) that an ‘Interstate driver must be able to read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records,’ to mean a required amount of a minimal level of English fluency to drive a commercial vehicle in interstate commerce.

Being that it is only minimally required, states administer CDL examination in foreign languages without fear for compromised safety. No studies or statistics have shown a connection between greater language fluency and fewer accidents. That’s why it’s unfair for inspectors to enforce subjective standards in the name of safety.

Due to the gray area, of what classifies as ‘insufficient’ in the language or not, inspectors in some states have taken advantage of this vague interpretation and cited perfectly fit drivers as unfit.

‘It should be up to the Motor Carriers to determine fluency during the hiring process, and states can continue to govern language requirements on their commercial driver exams.’ Most proclaim.

“People are missing out on the real safety issues at large and it’s a pity to concentrate on something that has no evidence of danger to our people. In fact it threatens the unemployment rate, and it threatens businesses in need of truckers, when hard working foreign truckers are sufficient but pulled out for exaggerated reasons!” Says Eien McBire, a 3rth generation trucker, 2 of whom, he says, were from out-of-country.

“My grandpa Frank and grandpa Lenny were both truckers, and yet they were not from round these parts. The right people need to be trusted more.”

So what are the real issues that need be concentrated on?

“Common sense, and statistically proved safety measures.” Says McBire.

“That means that if people are simply speeding, loading neglectfully, using old securing material, not using the proper straps or chains, ignoring red lights when they think they can get away with it- they are putting everyone else in danger including themselves and their loads. That needs more concentration. Stop looking at your foreign neighbor down the road for accusations. Look inside your own van for freight safety checkups, and at your own mile meter. That’s an easy way to change the world one truck at a time, right there.”