FMCSA Cabotage Crackdown Targets B-1 Visa Misuse, English Proficiency

What cabotage violations is FMCSA now enforcing at the border?

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforcement of cabotage restrictions has intensified under the Trump administration, targeting foreign drivers who use B-1 business visitor visas to haul domestic freight illegally within the United States. The crackdown also includes stricter enforcement of English-language proficiency requirements for commercial drivers operating in the U.S.

Derek Leathers, chairman and CEO of Werner Enterprises, told attendees at the International Road Transport Union's (IRU) North American Transportation Forum in Cancún that stronger enforcement is necessary to prevent foreign drivers from transporting domestic freight between two U.S. locations. Under federal cabotage restrictions, foreign drivers may transport qualifying international shipments into and out of the United States but generally cannot haul domestic freight between two U.S. points.

Leathers supported federal efforts to address the misuse of B-1 business visitor visas by drivers performing unauthorized domestic trucking operations. He also welcomed increased FMCSA enforcement of English-language proficiency requirements, emphasizing the importance of drivers being able to communicate with law enforcement and other personnel while operating in the U.S.

ATA warns inconsistent enforcement could disrupt compliant carriers

American Trucking Associations (ATA) Chief Economist Bob Costello emphasized the need for consistent and proportionate enforcement, particularly as cross-border freight activity continues to recover. Costello said North American cross-border trade rebounded in 2026 following a slight decline in 2025, underscoring the importance of maintaining efficient transportation links between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

According to Mexican transportation publication Revista Transportes y Turismo, Costello raised concerns that some U.S. enforcement personnel may not fully understand the complexities of cabotage regulations. The potential for inconsistent interpretations could create uncertainty for Mexican carriers operating legally in the U.S.

Costello called for continued cooperation among transportation associations, regulators, and industry representatives to ensure that enforcement efforts target violations without unnecessarily disrupting legitimate freight movements.

Mexican carriers report border delays from tighter scrutiny

National Chamber of Freight Transportation (CANACAR) President Augusto Ramos Melo acknowledged the importance of combating illegal cabotage but warned that intensified border enforcement could create additional delays and operational challenges for Mexican trucking companies. Ramos called for closer coordination among transportation companies, customs officials, and other supply chain participants to improve border efficiency.

For carriers operating across the southern border, additional inspections and documentation requirements can complicate driver scheduling, equipment positioning, and delivery times. Mexican carriers now navigate tighter scrutiny of driver documentation, visa eligibility, and compliance with U.S. transportation regulations.

Martin Rojas, IRU's senior adviser for the Americas, moderated the discussions and emphasized the importance of balancing regulatory enforcement with the need to maintain an adequate supply of qualified drivers. The discussions highlighted the challenge facing policymakers: strengthening compliance without undermining the transportation capacity needed to support North American trade.

B-1 visa interviews now weigh English proficiency

Justen Thomas, a representative of the U.S. Consulate General, advised drivers applying for or renewing B-1 visas to prepare thoroughly for consular interviews. Thomas said English-language proficiency is among several factors that can influence visa decisions.

B-1 visas are commonly used by eligible Mexican commercial drivers transporting international freight into the United States. However, those visas do not authorize drivers to perform domestic cabotage operations. The Trump administration has intensified enforcement of English-language proficiency standards for commercial drivers, alongside efforts to tighten oversight of driver licensing and training.

IRU Goods Transport Council President Iro Doumani offered a European perspective, describing how coordinated regulatory systems and digitalization can help balance enforcement with efficient international freight transportation. Doumani also noted that driver shortages remain a challenge for transportation operators, even in regions with more integrated cross-border systems.

CBP expands CTPAT, Electronic Export Manifest pilot

Liliana Flores, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) port director at Del Rio, Texas, said the agency is working to improve how it processes trade information while expanding initiatives aimed at strengthening cargo security, according to Revista Transportes y Turismo.

Flores discussed developments involving the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT), a voluntary public-private partnership designed to strengthen international supply chain security. Flores encouraged Mexican trucking companies to participate in CTPAT and CBP's Electronic Export Manifest pilot program.

The pilot's testing period is scheduled to conclude October 23, with information collected during the program intended to help CBP refine its systems ahead of broader implementation. The initiatives are intended to improve security and the exchange of shipment information, although carriers continue to face increased scrutiny of cross-border operations.

What cross-border carriers must do this week

Carriers operating between the U.S. and Mexico should review driver visa documentation to confirm B-1 visa holders are not performing domestic cabotage operations. Drivers transporting international freight into the U.S. must be prepared to demonstrate English-language proficiency during roadside inspections and consular interviews.

Mexican carriers should consider enrolling in CTPAT to streamline border processing and reduce inspection delays. The Electronic Export Manifest pilot concludes October 23, and carriers participating in the program should prepare for broader implementation of the system in the coming months.

Fleets should document driver routes and shipment origins to demonstrate compliance with cabotage restrictions during audits. Inconsistent enforcement remains a risk, so carriers should maintain clear records showing that international loads qualify for cross-border transport under federal regulations.

For carriers managing cross-border onboarding paperwork, a digital carrier-packet workflow can help track W-9s, MC-150 forms, and certificates of insurance required by U.S. brokers and shippers.