LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — A new federal rule limiting certain commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) could reduce available trucking capacity, raising concerns about freight movement during key agricultural seasons. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration finalized changes that restrict eligibility for non-domiciled CDLs, potentially removing thousands of drivers from the system.
The rule took effect on March 16 and requires stricter verification of immigration status for drivers who do not reside in a U.S. state. Officials say the change improves safety and restores integrity to the CDL system.
FMCSA estimates about 194,000 drivers — roughly 5 percent of all CDL holders — could be affected. Industry groups warn that the impact could be higher in border states such as Texas, Arizona, and California, where non-domiciled drivers are more common.
For agriculture, the timing is critical. The rule comes as spring planting ramps up, increasing demand for hauling fertilizer, seed, and equipment. Reduced driver availability could tighten capacity, raise freight rates, and slow movement in some regions.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Reduced driver supply may increase freight costs this season.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
The Fertilizer Research Act, reintroduced by Sens. Grassley, Ernst, and Baldwin, would direct the USDA to study and publish public reports on competition and pricing trends in the fertilizer market.
September 16, 2025 05:08 PM
·
Allowing year-round sales of E15 nationally could deliver billions in economic gains, according to a new study from the Renewable Fuels Association and National Corn Growers Association.
September 16, 2025 02:29 PM
·
U.S. aquaculture may gain competitive ground as harmful subsidies are phased out abroad, but producers should monitor shifts in import supply chains and trade enforcement closely.
September 16, 2025 01:07 PM
·
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today issued a new memorandum to modernize and strengthen America’s wildfire prevention and response system.
September 15, 2025 04:56 PM
·
Understanding the Big, Beautiful Bill’s complex impact on SNAP benefits – that’s the topic of today’s Firm to Farm blog post by RFD-TV’s legal expert, Roger McEowen.
September 15, 2025 04:37 PM
·
Year-round sales of E-15 are another major topic on Capitol Hill, which, according to Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), is one issue up for debate this session with significant bipartisan support.
September 15, 2025 12:09 PM
·
