by A short time ago, Home News Now reported on a dramatic move aimed at improving roadway safety announced by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, who issued a new rule restricting eligibility for non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses and commercial learner’s permits.
After the story was published, we got a flurry of calls asking for a deeper dive in terms of what that will mean for our industry. What follows is a response to those requests, plus some insights from industry veteran Edward Massood, president of Massood Logistics, an icon and visionary within the furniture transportation industry.
Massood sees the announcement by Duffy as a two-edged sword. “On one hand, we’ve been short drivers for the past 20-plus years, so when all is said and done, anytime you take drivers out of the workforce, it just puts more strain on the infrastructure and we are all going to feel that impact, “ he said, adding, “However, even so, I would rather feel that impact knowing that we have safe drivers on the road as opposed to having drivers that have not been qualified.”
Massood added that in his long tenure in the transportation and logistics sector, it is no secret that some drivers who were not fully qualified have managed to obtain commercial driver’s licenses to drive a big rig. In the event of accidents, people are hurt, and the reputation of the entire trucking industry comes under scrutiny.
“So, from the standpoint of safety, integrity and protecting the reputation of the trucking industry, this move is a good thing,” Massood noted.
As far as the language of the new rule, here is some basic terminology to help explain the language and intent of the ruling:
What is a “non-domiciled commercial driver?
A non-domiciled commercial driver is someone who:
+ Lives in another country (for example, Canada or Mexico), but
+ Gets a U.S. commercial driver’s license or commercial learner’s permit so they can legally drive commercial vehicles in the U.S.
In other words, they’re not legally “domiciled” (permanently residing) in any U.S. state or territory, but they’re still allowed to drive trucks here under special federal rules.
States issue these special CDLs marked as “non-domiciled.”
What does the new rule mean?
When Secretary Duffy issues a rule restricting eligibility for non-domiciled CDLs/CLPs, it means fewer foreign-based drivers will qualify for U.S. commercial licenses.
Essentially, it tightens the requirements for:
+ Who can apply (for example, limiting to those with specific immigration or work statuses).
+ How long the license is valid.
+ What documentation they must provide to prove legal presence or employment.
Why it matters for truck drivers
For U.S. truckers:
+ It doesn’t affect drivers who live and are licensed in the U.S. (citizens or permanent residents).
+ It might reduce the number of foreign drivers operating under U.S. CDLs — which could slightly impact competition or driver availability.
For foreign drivers (especially from Canada or Mexico):
+ They may find it harder or impossible to renew or get U.S.-issued CDLs/CLPs unless they meet new stricter requirements (like specific visa or residency criteria).
Why the change?
The stated goal — “improving roadway safety” — suggests that the DOT or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration believes:
+ Some non-domiciled CDLs were being issued without consistent background checks, verification of driving records or adequate oversight.
+ Tightening eligibility ensures that only properly vetted and trained drivers get certified to operate large commercial vehicles on U.S. roads.
