Mexican and Canadian B-1 visa truck drivers are illegally taking domestic trucking jobs from Americans, driving down wages and threatening the livelihood of U.S. trucking companies.
Key Takeaways
- Trucking companies are violating cabotage rules by using Mexican and Canadian B-1 visa drivers for domestic U.S. deliveries, undercutting American truckers’ jobs.
- B-1 visa drivers are paid significantly less than U.S. truckers, causing freight rates to drop and American companies to lose business.
- The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is pushing for stronger enforcement of cabotage rules and urging the Department of Transportation to address the growing problem.
- Some U.S. trucking companies have been forced to close as they cannot compete with the lower wages accepted by foreign B-1 visa drivers.
- President Trump has reinstated federal English language proficiency mandates for commercial drivers to address safety and national security concerns.
Growing Crisis for American Truckers
The U.S. trucking industry is facing a significant challenge as foreign drivers with B-1 visitor visas are increasingly taking jobs meant for American truckers. This practice violates cabotage rules, which restrict foreign transportation providers from operating domestic routes. While NAFTA allows Mexican drivers to deliver Mexican cargo to U.S. destinations, many are illegally transporting domestic U.S. freight, creating unfair competition and depressing wages for American drivers. The problem has become so widespread that it’s causing economic hardship for U.S. trucking companies unable to compete with lower-paid foreign drivers.
“I closed in December, because I saw what was going to happen now. There was no reason to try and keep up with the B-1 drivers’ nonsense. No one really understands what’s happened, and there’s too many interests in between,” said Reed
The situation has become particularly visible along major trucking routes. According to industry insiders, the presence of B-1 visa drivers is overwhelming in border areas. One fuel hauler described the situation vividly: “Look at I-35 coming out of Laredo: All you see is the Mexican trucks coming across going north, and nine out of 10 trucks are B-1 drivers; it’s just getting out of hand.” Industry experts confirm that B-1 visa drivers are paid significantly less than their American counterparts, creating an unfair advantage for companies willing to break the law.
Enforcement Challenges and Industry Response
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has taken a strong stance against these violations. ATA President Chris Spear has urged the Department of Transportation to address the issue urgently, calling for stronger enforcement of existing regulations. Bob Costello, chief economist for the ATA, has been explicit about the illegality of these practices: “If you are using Mexican B-1 drivers to haul domestic loads, that is illegal. It’s another reason why the market has been bad.” The organization is pushing for more rigorous monitoring at weigh stations and increased collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security and ICE to identify and penalize offenders.
“FMCSA’s safety monitoring and enforcement must be bolstered to eliminate fraudulent CDL training providers,” said Chris Spear
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has included cabotage violations in its 2025 Top Research Priorities, recognizing the severity of the issue. The research agenda will examine the economic impact of these violations and develop strategies to protect U.S. trucking jobs. This comes as reports indicate that some U.S. companies are establishing shell operations in Mexico specifically to hire B-1 visa holders for domestic hauls, further complicating enforcement efforts and threatening the integrity of the industry.
Presidential Action and Safety Concerns
President Donald Trump has taken direct action to address the growing crisis in the trucking industry. His executive order reinstating federal English language proficiency requirements for commercial drivers is aimed at improving both safety standards and national security. The mandate comes in response to concerns that the influx of foreign drivers, many with limited English proficiency, poses risks to highway safety and undermines the economic stability of American truckers. The President’s initiative has been welcomed by industry leaders who have long advocated for stricter enforcement of existing regulations.
“Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers,” said President Donald Trump
Safety concerns associated with B-1 visa drivers have been highlighted by several incidents. Reports of fatal accidents and property damage involving foreign drivers underscore the potential risks of allowing unqualified operators on U.S. roads. These incidents have intensified calls for more rigorous screening and enforcement of existing regulations. Industry analysts suggest that the combination of language barriers, unfamiliarity with U.S. roads and regulations, and pressure to maximize earnings creates a dangerous situation for all road users. As the trucking industry continues to grapple with these challenges, the need for comprehensive reform becomes increasingly urgent.
