U.S.-Mexico cross-border logistics could see “considerable friction” under a recent Trump Administration executive order enforcing existing English-language proficiency rules for commercial truck drivers, according to a report from Redwood Logistics.
This policy mandates that drivers must demonstrate English proficiency to read traffic signs, communicate with safety officials, and adhere to employer protocols. Under the directive, the Department of Transportation (DOT) is tasked with implementing stricter compliance inspections and strengthening commercial driver’s license (CDL) verification processes.
But while the policy aims to uphold safety on U.S. roads, its implications for Mexican drivers, who dominate cross-border freight transport, could introduce considerable friction to trade, Chicago-based Redwood said in its “Q2 2025 Cross Border Index.”
“The sudden enforcement of this policy has created a heightened sense of urgency among customers reliant on cross-border operations,” Jordan Dewart, president of Redwood Mexico, said in a release. “Even though Mexico remains a key manufacturing hub, this new regulation could cause delays and increased operational costs for shippers relying on Mexican-based carriers.”
Coupled with President Trump’s back-and-forth implementation of tariffs, the language requirement places further strain on global supply chains, as many U.S. businesses have established “nearshoring” partnerships with Mexican suppliers to maintain efficiency, the report said. And compounding current trade issues is a pattern of Chinese companies circumventing Trump tariffs by routing goods through Mexico before then exporting to the U.S.
According to Redwood, a common strategy to cope with those hurdles is stockpiling inventory to avoid potential border delays and adjusting production timelines to stay ahead of disruptions. Other approaches include diversifying supplier networks and utilizing foreign trade zones or duty-free regions.
