U.S. Revokes 30,000 Foreign Truck Driver Visas as Driver Shortage Worsens

Between April 2025 and April 2026, the United States revoked visas held by roughly 30,000 foreign truck drivers, further straining an already tight trucking labor market.

At least 20,000 of those affected were Mexican drivers, according to Augusto Ramos Melo, president of Mexico’s National Chamber of Freight Transportation (Canacar).

The loss of eligible drivers is already reducing available freight capacity and driving up pressure on trucking rates.

Although the full impact on transportation costs remains unclear, the pressure could intensify if North American freight demand continues to grow.

Why Drivers Are Losing Their Visas

The recent wave of visa revocations is mainly tied to two areas of U.S. enforcement: English-language proficiency requirements and violations of cabotage rules.

Cabotage is the illegal transport of goods between two U.S. locations by a foreign driver.

Mexican drivers entering the United States with B-1 business visitor visas or Border Crossing Cards may transport international freight into or out of the country, but cannot carry domestic freight between U.S. locations.

According to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, about 3,200 Mexican commercial truck drivers have had their visas revoked since January 2026 due to suspected cabotage violations.

In addition, stricter enforcement of English-language requirements has also led to drivers being removed from service.

During Operation SafeDRIVE from January 13 to 15, 2026, 704 drivers were taken out of service, including nearly 500 for insufficient English proficiency.

How Chinese Drivers and Logistics Companies Are Affected

Cabotage restrictions mainly affect foreign drivers entering the U.S. under B-1 status. Chinese drivers with legal work authorization and valid CDLs are generally not impacted.

However, Federal English-language proficiency rules apply to drivers of federally regulated commercial motor vehicles, and motor carriers are responsible for ensuring their drivers meet the requirements.

A more direct concern for some foreign drivers in 2026 is the change to Non-Domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses.

Beginning March 16, 2026, only individuals with H-2A, H-2B, or E-2 status may apply for or renew a Non-Domiciled CDL.

California has also suspended the issuance, renewal, replacement, modification, and transfer of Non-Domiciled CDLs.

Some foreign drivers may therefore be unable to obtain, renew, or maintain the credentials required to continue driving.

Companies that rely on drivers with non-domiciled CDLs should allow more flexibility in dispatch planning in case a driver suddenly becomes ineligible to operate.

Fewer Drivers Could Push Higher Freight Costs

The loss of eligible cross-border drivers comes as trade between the United States and Mexico continues to expand, increasing demand for trucking capacity.

In April 2026, bilateral merchandise trade reached approximately $86.04 billion, up 23.4% YoY, with Mexico remaining the United States’ largest trading partner.

At the same time, Mexico’s trucking industry already faces a shortage of about 96,000 drivers.

Around 30% of existing drivers are over 55, while only 13% are under 25, making it difficult to replace those who can no longer operate cross-border routes.

Because much of U.S.-Mexico trade relies on trucks, rising trade volumes and fewer eligible drivers could make it harder for logistics companies to secure sufficient trucks and drivers.

For shippers, this could result in tighter capacity, longer wait times, and higher freight costs.