Tijuana Truckers Struggle with English Requirement

New mandate for basic English proficiency puts experienced drivers at risk of losing their jobs

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Mexican truck drivers in Tijuana, some with decades of experience, are facing difficulties when tested for English proficiency under a new executive order that requires all truck drivers to have a basic understanding of the English language to read road signs and communicate with law enforcement. The mandate is leading to visa-renewal denials and job losses for many reliable, long-time drivers who get nervous during the field interviews and fail the basic English test.

Why it matters

The new English requirement is posing significant challenges for the transportation sector in the Tijuana region, as experienced and reliable truck drivers are at risk of losing their jobs due to language barriers. This could disrupt cross-border trade and commerce if not addressed.

The details

Last year, President Trump issued an executive order bringing back an existing law mandating that all truck drivers must have a basic understanding of the English language to be able to read road signs and communicate with law enforcement. Alfonso Millán Chávez, Tijuana's delegate for the National Chamber of Freight Transporters, said many drivers get nervous and are failing the field interviews, which in some cases is leading to visa-renewal denials. The transportation sector is working to improve the English proficiency of its drivers through training sessions offered during extra hours, nights, and weekends, but the industry is calling for a faster solution to help experienced drivers comply with the new mandate.

  • The executive order requiring English proficiency for truck drivers was issued last year.

The players

Alfonso Millán Chávez

Tijuana's delegate for the National Chamber of Freight Transporters.

President Trump

Issued the executive order mandating English proficiency for truck drivers.

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What they’re saying

“These are reliable operators who have been working with a company for 15, 20, or even 25 years. When they get nervous, they fail this basic English test and are being denied permits to drive, especially when renewing their visa. This is costing many drivers their jobs.”

— Alfonso Millán Chávez, Tijuana's delegate for the National Chamber of Freight Transporters (cenlanow.com)

“We would like it to move faster, but we understand that business owners and drivers have to make an effort by taking training sessions outside of regular hours.”

— Alfonso Millán Chávez, Tijuana's delegate for the National Chamber of Freight Transporters (cenlanow.com)

The takeaway

The new English proficiency requirement for truck drivers in Tijuana is causing significant disruption for the transportation sector, as experienced and reliable drivers are at risk of losing their jobs due to language barriers. While the industry is working to provide training, a faster solution is needed to ensure cross-border trade and commerce can continue uninterrupted.