The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s interim rule on non-domiciled CDLs has created one of the biggest conversations in transportation this year. Some groups argue the rule is unlawful and disruptive. Others believe it strengthens national security and improves verification standards. As with most major policy shifts, the truth falls somewhere in the middle.
What matters most for shippers is understanding what this rule means for capacity, cost, and long-term planning. This guide breaks down both sides of the argument and outlines how companies can prepare for the changes ahead.
FMCSA estimates that roughly 194,000 commercial drivers may lose CDL eligibility within two years. This is a significant reduction that will tighten capacity across many lanes. With fewer drivers available, shippers may face longer lead times and more competition for reliable capacity.
Removing experienced drivers forces carriers to hire and train new ones. Recruiting, onboarding, and training a single driver can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $20,000 dollars. Beyond the financial strain, turnover can increase safety risks. New drivers need time to learn equipment, routes, and company processes, and that learning curve can lead to higher incident rates.
The rule was issued without the usual advance notice period. State agencies, carriers, and drivers were not given time to prepare, and many states argue the agency overstepped its authority. These sudden requirements have left employers scrambling to understand how the rule will affect their current workforce and future hiring.
Supporters believe the rule strengthens identity verification and ensures that CDL eligibility is tied to documented and verified immigration status. This aligns with broader federal efforts to modernize transportation security and reduce vulnerabilities within the commercial driving workforce.
For years, CDL issuance rules for non-domiciled drivers have been interpreted differently across states. A uniform federal standard can improve oversight, reduce inconsistencies, and create more reliable data for regulators and carriers.
Some believe the restriction may incentivize carriers to invest more in training and developing domestic drivers. While this will not solve short-term capacity challenges, it could help build a more stable and reliable workforce over time.
The CDL debate is happening at the same time FMCSA is confronting another major issue. In January, the administration removed nearly 3,000 CDL training providers from the federal Training Provider Registry and placed another 4,500 on notice for potential noncompliance. This is the most aggressive action ever taken against fraudulent or inadequate training programs.
These audits exposed a long-running problem. For decades, CDL schools were allowed to self-certify with no federal validation of their credentials, facilities, curriculum, or even whether they had real trucks or classrooms. That lack of oversight contributed to more than 6,000 fraudulent CDLs and at least 13 documented deaths linked to unqualified drivers.
The Entry-Level Driver Training rules that took effect in 2022 were created to fix these issues, but key standards were removed before implementation. There are still no federal minimum training hours. Instructor qualifications vary widely from state to state. And there is no national system that prevents individuals convicted of CDL fraud from opening new training schools and registering again.
This gap in oversight is part of why reform is happening now. The recent purge of thousands of providers is a necessary step toward restoring integrity in the training pipeline. However, fewer training schools and stricter audits will also mean slower onboarding for new drivers and added pressure on an already strained labor pool.
Massachusetts has already paused the issuance of new non-domiciled CDLs while reviewing irregularities in its program. You can view the official RMV announcement here:
Massachusetts RMV Non-Domiciled CDL Program Pause
https://www.mass.gov/alerts/changes-to-non-domiciled-cdl-program
If FMCSA publishes a public list of audited or removed CDL training providers, we can also include that link here for readers.
This level of disruption across CDL licensing and training means shippers should expect continued volatility in driver availability. Even necessary reforms create short-term bottlenecks across the industry.
If even a portion of the estimated 194,000 drivers lose eligibility, nationwide trucking capacity will feel it. Shippers should prepare for potential service variability and plan ahead to secure consistent coverage.
Carriers will face new expenses related to compliance, onboarding, and training. These costs often translate into higher rates. Companies with better forecasting and stronger partnerships will be better positioned to manage these cost pressures.
Clear communication and longer lead times help carriers plan and allocate resources effectively. Shippers who improve forecasting will have an advantage when capacity tightens.
Some companies may benefit from adjusting their transportation strategy. Opportunities include:
Shifting select freight from truckload to LTL
Leveraging intermodal where available
Consolidating shipments to reduce weekly touches
These changes can help offset disruptions created by the rule.
A strong 4PL relationship gives shippers access to market intelligence, a vetted carrier network, streamlined communication, and proactive problem-solving. When regulations shift, companies with a strategic partner adapt faster and maintain service continuity.
At GLI, we work closely with customers to adjust their transportation strategies when the market tightens. That includes helping shippers consolidate freight to reduce touches, evaluating opportunities for mode changes, and designing routing plans that protect service and control cost. When capacity is uncertain, having a partner who can pivot quickly and execute the plan across multiple carriers and modes becomes essential.
GLI handles whatever is required to keep freight moving. Whether it is a consolidation strategy, a mode shift, a redesigned schedule, or a new routing pattern, our team builds solutions that match your operational reality.
The new CDL restrictions bring real challenges and real benefits, and both deserve attention. Combined with the ongoing cleanup of the CDL training ecosystem, shippers should expect continued adjustments in driver supply, carrier operations, and onboarding timelines.
GLI helps shippers stay ahead of disruptions through planning, visibility, and long-term support. We haul freight the right way, with the experience, relationships, and
accountability that shippers need when the rules keep changing.