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
In part four of his blog series, “Top 10 Developments in Ag Law and Tax in 2023,” Roger McEowen tackles issue number four, the Employment Retention Credit.
January 31, 2024 09:00 AM
·
In part three of his blog series, “Top 10 Developments in Ag Law and Tax in 2023,” Roger McEowen covers the Corps of Engineers’ mismanagement of Missouri River water levels.
January 30, 2024 02:29 PM
·
Two more key developments in ag law and taxation from 2023, a crackdown on biodiesel fraud and developments in self-employment taxation (#7 and #6), are the topic of today’s Firm to Farm blog post, the second in a series by RFD-TV agri-legal expert Roger McEowen.
January 18, 2024 12:44 PM
·
The start of the review of the most important ag law and tax developments of 2023—that is the topic of today’s Firm to Farm blog post by RFD-TV agri-legal expert Roger A. McEowen
January 04, 2024 12:20 PM
·
As we start the new year, let’s take a look at some of the legislative items from 2023 affecting agriculture that will continue to play out in the political area for months to come.
January 02, 2024 12:00 PM
·
December 22, 2023 11:05 AM
·
