Stricter license requirements can continue in the US as an Appeals court rejects the CDL rule pause? On May 5, the federal appeals court for the District of Columbia Circuit voted 2-1 against the rule pause. The court noted that the petitioners did not meet “stringent requirements” for a stay. Conversely, the same court voted to pause a similar version of the same rule in November 2025. The ruling declining a pause will affect non-domiciled drivers, or foreign drivers who are legally working in the US. With non-domiciled drivers making up nearly a quarter of the US’s private carriers, the rejection will significantly impact the industry.
What Is the Non-Domiciled Rule Issued By The CDL?
On February 11, 2026, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a final rule on the issuance of CDL’s. Under the rule, non-domiciled truckers faced stricter requirements for receiving Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL’s). Eligibility to obtain CDLs now includes employment-based visas, having an unexpired passport, and having an approved Form I-94. Some employment-based visas include H-2A, H-2B, and E-2. The FMCSA no longer accepts employment authorization documents or work permits as nondomiciled CDL applications. One goal of the new rule is to promote greater safety in the trucking industry by requiring more rigorous vetting. The FMCSA noted that 30 deaths and 17 crashes were from non-domiciled drivers in 2025.
What Can Truckers Expect As The Appeals Court Rejects the CDL Rule Pause?
As the CDL rule remains in effect for domestic shipping, truckers may continue to feel the strain of stringent regulations. Nearly 194,000 to 200,000 drivers in the US are non-domiciled CDL holders. Stronger regulations for CDL’s may result in a significant number of drivers leaving the industry. A limited number of drivers could reduce capacity, leading to other issues, including delays and higher costs. Despite arguments against the final rule, supporters believe stricter standards can lead to a safer domestic shipping industry. In addition to promoting safety, the final rule is part of the Trump Administration’s goal of encouraging English in US trucking.
When deciding to move goods domestically, various circumstances can arise that impact cargo movement. Although they should not haul transport, a shipper should be aware of them when starting. In addition to staying current with news and regulations, they can do this by speaking with a freight broker. Brokers act as middlemen between shippers and carriers, coordinating the movement of goods on behalf of the shipper. A1 Freight Solutions has freight brokers who specialize in transporting cargo of any size, volume, or weight. We do this by providing solutions, including negotiating rates, assisting with paperwork, ensuring compliance, and more. Speak to our brokers at info@fsinc.com or 786-756-8795 to ensure a successful shipment.