Arkansas trucking companies are facing new challenges this year after 279 truck drivers were taken off the road due to stricter rules on work visas and English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements.
The latest: Since June 25, drivers who could not meet these new rules have been placed out of service. Act 604 has been behind the increased enforcement.
- However, the Arkansas Trucking Association says the state doesn't have a shortage of drivers right now.
- Shannon Newton, president of the association, said, "The overall economic dynamic in our industry right now is one of oversupply."
- There has been almost three years of freight recession, creating more drivers than available jobs.
Why it matters: Companies are focusing on hiring only drivers who meet all the legal and safety rules—not just trying to fill seats.
- The association says their main concern is ensuring every driver is properly trained and holds the right credentials.
- This includes drivers with work visas from Mexico and Canada who operate legally in the state.
Retailers in Arkansas also report that they aren't seeing any impact on store shelves from these rules. "We don't see it from the wholesalers that we deal with, and even those that ship direct from the manufacturer," said Steve Goode with the Arkansas Retailers Association, according to THV11.
Right now, the focus is on making sure all drivers are qualified rather than worrying about filling empty seats.