I was asked recently while conducting training in the Southwest just how serious the DOT is about putting non-qualified drivers behind the wheels of CMV's who can't speak or read English correctly to qualify as a DOT driver. Here is a glowing response by the DOT. Note it didn't happen in the Southwest, but in Indiana, which could have been North Dakota or your state. Please do not take chances that could result in huge fines, out-of-service, and, worst-case scenario, being shut down completely. (Read latest out of Washington on this subject.)
U & D Service Declared an Imminent Hazard and Ordered to Immediately Cease All Operations
Indiana trucking company violated federal commercial driver's license, English proficiency
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has ordered U & D Service, Inc. of Indianapolis, Ind., to immediately cease all transportation services in or affecting interstate commerce, declaring the commercial truck company an "imminent hazard" to public safety. This order follows an extensive review of the company's operations, which found multiple federal safety violations including a continuous pattern of using drivers without valid commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) and using drivers that do not meet federal English proficiency requirements.
"Safety is the U.S. Department of Transportation's highest priority," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "We are committed to aggressively removing from our roads unsafe truck companies that place the traveling public at risk."
FMCSA ordered U & D Service, Inc. to immediately shut down after agency investigators discovered that the company was using drivers who did not possess valid CDLs, or read and speak the English language sufficiently to safely operate a commercial vehicle on our nation's roads. FMCSA may also take enforcement action against the non-CDL-holding drivers, including civil penalties and/or driver disqualifications.
"FMCSA will continue to do everything within its current legal authority to remove unsafe truck companies like U & D Service from our roadways. The traveling public deserves no less," said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro.
Update 2/7/2012
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