GRAIN VALLEY, Mo. (RFD-TV) — More than 100 commercial driver’s license schools have been shut down over fraud and English-language proficiency violations.
Lewie Pugh with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss the closures and the state of the trucking industry.
In his conversation with RFD-TV, Pugh said English proficiency and proper training are important for truck drivers, noting some schools have offered CDLs in less than 24 hours.
Pugh says plenty of drivers are available as fall harvest ramps up, but high turnover remains a challenge for the industry.
Diesel prices are also adding pressure as truckers move corn, soybeans, and other goods to market. Pugh says those higher transportation costs could ultimately be passed on to consumers.
Lewie Pugh says OOIDA plans to work with the next Congress on transportation policy, prioritizing truck parking, restroom access, and maintaining current liability insurance minimums.
November 09, 2026 03:00 PM
·
NCBA Executive Director Sigrid Johannes says Senate Democrats now have less incentive to accept a lame-duck compromise when they expect to return in January with a much stronger majority.
November 09, 2026 12:36 PM
·
Final grazing regulations from the Bureau of Land Management could reshape permit administration and land access for western ranchers for years to come.
November 07, 2026 10:00 AM
·
USDA says the Great American Christmas Market will showcase American products, connect with holiday shoppers, and celebrate the agricultural traditions that make Christmas special nationwide.
November 06, 2026 10:55 PM
Sell previously helped shape the 2002 Farm Bill and is expected to pursue a seat on the House Agriculture Committee.
November 06, 2026 04:00 PM
·
Agricultural leaders say the remaining weeks of Congress could determine whether a new Farm Bill moves forward.
November 06, 2026 03:00 PM
·
