Archive · 8 Jan 2026
USPS to phase out non-domiciled CDL drivers
The US Postal Service is making a big change to how it works with trucking companies.
Starting in 2026, they will stop using truck drivers who have special licenses but aren't allowed to drive in the US.
These drivers are often immigrants, some of whom don't have legal status.
The change is happening because there have been some bad accidents caused by these drivers.
The government wants to make sure all drivers are properly checked and can speak English.
Some people support this because they think it will make the roads safer.
Others think it's unfair to the drivers who are just trying to make a living.
The trucking industry is also having a hard time finding enough workers.
USPS to phase out non-domiciled CDL drivers not vetted by USPS starting 2026
Decision follows safety concerns and enforcement of immigration laws
Non-domiciled CDLs often held by undocumented migrants or foreign nationals on work visas
Several deadly truck crashes involving drivers without legal status
Trucking industry faces worker shortages with nearly 70% of freight companies struggling to meet demand
- Who
- US Postal Service, Department of Transportation, trucking companies, migrant drivers
- What
- Phase out of non-domiciled CDL drivers not vetted by USPS
- When
- Starting 2026
- Where
- United States
- Why
- Safety concerns and enforcement of immigration laws
Supporters of the change
Opponents of the change
Safety concerns
Supporters of the change
The change is necessary to prevent accidents caused by drivers who may not be properly vetted or may not speak English.
Opponents of the change
The change may lead to a shortage of drivers and disrupt the supply chain, which could have negative economic impacts.
Immigration enforcement
Supporters of the change
The change is a step towards enforcing immigration laws and ensuring that all drivers are legal residents.
Opponents of the change
The change may be seen as targeting immigrants and could lead to discrimination against certain groups.
- Non-domiciled CDL
- Commercial Driver’s License issued in a state where the holder does not permanently live
- USPS daily truck loads
- 55,000
- USPS annual truck miles
- Nearly 2 billion
- California license revocations
- 17,000
- California funding threat
- $160 million
- New York funding threat
- $73 million
- California funding withheld
- $40.6 million
- Freight companies with worker shortages
- Nearly 70%
Sources
US issues new rules for migrant truck drivers in 2026 amid rising safety concerns
2 illegal Indian-origin truckers held with 300 pounds of cocaine in US; enough for ‘113,000 lethal overdoses’, says DHS
