Global Road Transport in Focus: English Proficiency Rules & New Trade Routes Set to Reshape Industry

The Road Haulage Association (RHA)’s global partners, the American Trucking Associations and the IRU in Europe have highlighted a couple of interesting road transport news events this week which make interesting reading for anyone involved in road transport.

FMCSA Enforces Stricter English Proficiency for US Truck Drivers

Firstly, in the USA, starting June 25th the Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA) will begin enforcing a new English proficiency rule so that trucks drivers who cannot speak or understand English well enough during inspections may be taken off the road immediately.

All FMCSA roadside inspections will now begin in English. If an inspector thinks a driver does not understand what is being said, the inspector must begin an English proficiency test. This test includes two parts:

1. Driver Interview – The inspector will ask the driver simple questions in English. The driver must answer in English. “Tools to facilitate communication such as interpreters, I-Speak cards, cue cards, smart phone applications, and On-Call Telephone Interpretation Service should not be used during the driver interview, as those tools may mask a driver’s inability to communicate in English.” The inspector will decide if the driver can answer official questions clearly in English.

2. Highway Sign Test – If the driver passes the interview, the inspector may give a second test. This test checks if the driver understands U.S. Road signs. This includes standard signs and “electronic-display changeable message signs the driver may encounter while operating a truck.” Drivers must be able to recognise and explain the meaning of these signs.

If the driver cannot complete the interview in English, they will not move on to the second part. Inspectors may also begin a process to disqualify the driver from operating in interstate commerce. The agency says stronger action is needed because language problems can create safety risks. If a driver is placed out of service, the inspector must explain that the driver cannot drive again until the issue is resolved.

Europe to Gulf Trade Transformed: New TIR Routes via Iraq Slash Road Transit Times

In Europe, once again we can see how international road transport can respond to the rapidly changing requirements of global trade even over long distances. With Iraq now fully operational in the TIR system, new faster and more flexible transport routes are opening between Europe and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. 

Polish transport operator, the Milton Group, have again successfully completed a round trip to Dubai entirely by road, via Iraq, in 10 days compared to at least 24 days for conventional maritime transit times. The double manned truck transported yacht engines and parts from Poland though Turkey, Iraq, Saudi Arabia before arriving at the customers facility in the UAE. 

The journey was supported by the IRU and pre advised border crossings significantly reduced the usual lost time at the multiple borders encountered. The return load from UAE to Poland was also completed in the same time frame.