Tale Lites Issue 34

Book Parking | List your Property 

🚛 Trucker, Coffee Maker, petitions DOT over English Proficiency

Natasha Cruz-Sanchez is a trucker, and founder of Nacrusan coffee who we featured in Tale Lites Issue 9. She happens to be bilingual, and has been pretty vocal on the conversation surrounding English Proficiency in trucking.

She’s keeping the conversation going now as she has filed a petition with the U.S. Department of Transportation to create a formal English Language Proficiency (ELP) endorsement for CDL holders.

Her proposal is called The Safe Communication Act, and it would treat English proficiency like a hazmat or tanker endorsement: a standardized, testable credential that’s consistent across all states.

Natasha says the change would boost safety and fairness across the industry:

The petition, backed by fellow drivers Nelson Gonzalez-Rivera, Edgar Rolon-Padilla, and Pedro Cancel, lays out a detailed plan:

• Create a federal ELP endorsement on CDLs.

• Use a standardized assessment, modeled after the FAA’s system.

• Require ELP before someone can even apply for a commercial learner’s permit.

• Provide a one-year transition for current CDL holders to comply.

• Protect drivers from subjective roadside evaluations by making ELP testable and verifiable.

• Ensure exams are in-person at DMVs, with immediate temporary certificates.

• Develop a test prep manual or mobile app designed for trucking.

Natasha says that a higher barrier of entry will cut crash rates, improve training, and professionalize the industry. The group also suggests collaboration with English instructors to design trucking related tests, along with continuous education to keep drivers current on safety and tech.

The DOT and FMCSA haven’t responded, which is why it’s important Natasha’s petition is shared by any and all news outlets. If this became the standard it would be a welcome change in how driver qualifications are measured.

I want to hear from you! For Driver Submissions, questions, and comments contact me at: [email protected] or Text me directly at 423-275-2444

Nice Guys Finish First?

Check out this excerpt from an old edition of Tale Lites! Is it worth it to be a “Nice Guy” out there over the road?

🚨 More Alarms Going off For National Security

Coming off of last week’s newsletter there seems to be some more buzz circulating around technology in the trucking industry, and this time coming from the US Department of Commerce.

Back in January, the US Department of Commerce implemented a rule banning connected vehicle tech from China and Russia, but this rule only applied to passenger cars. They cited the concern that foreign adversaries could tap into connected vehicles to spy, steal personal info, or cause serious disruptions. Not sure why Tractor Trailers weren’t involved in this conversation, but now they are!

The former Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo says, “It doesn’t take a lot of imagination to think of how foreign government with access to connected vehicles could pose a serious risk to both our national security and the personal privacy of U.S. citizens.”

This is where I scratch my head, while the rule called the risks in commercial vehicles just as “grave”, big trucks were left out. Why? Regulators said the commercial trucking space is more “complex” and would need its own set of rules. More complex? The trucking industry is more regulated than passenger cars…

Either way, it looks like that time may come. According to the latest federal agenda, a new rule targeting commercial vehicles (10,000 pounds and up) could come out as soon as this month.

OOIDA has been pressing hard on this, saying a national security threat this serious shouldn’t be delayed. Back in January, OOIDA President Todd Spencer blasted the decision to leave heavy trucks out:

The full details won’t be known until the interim final rule lands in the Federal Register — but at least people in Washington see foreign connected truck tech as more than just a minor risk.

Health Tip of the Week - Keep Your Knees Strong

Long hours of being sedentary can make knees stiff and weak, but here’s a few simple moves to help keep you strong

1. Seated Leg Extensions: While parked, sit tall and slowly extend one leg out straight, tightening your thigh. Hold for 3 seconds, then lower. Do 10 reps each side.

2. Squats at Fuel Stops: Stand with feet shoulder width apart, bend your knees slightly like you’re about to sit in a chair, weight in the heels, then stand back up. If you can’t bring your thighs parallel to the deck, go as low as you can or use a strap for support! Do 2–3 sets of 10.

3. Lateral Lunges: Take a step out to the side, have toes pointed in front, like the squat, drop the hips back, keep the opposite leg straight. Here’s a video example

4. Keep Knees Lubricated: Staying hydrated helps keep joints cushioned. Aim for steady water intake throughout the day instead of chugging it all at once.

Strong legs = strong knees, and the stronger your knees are, the easier it is to climb in and out of the truck, go in and out of a trailer, or tarp a load!

Interested in one on one coaching? Download the 1stPhorm app today!

Partner Post of the Week

Check out our Partner Jenzi G as he shows us his recent stay at a Truck Parking Club location You can get $20 off your next booking by using the code jenzig20 for $20 off your next booking!

@jenzi_g

I will never park at Truckstop again! #TruckDriver #Trucking #Truckstop ##jenzig

Truck Parking Club Partner Program

Do you create content for truckers, want to help solve the truck parking crisis, and an opportunity to give drivers FREE parking? Let’s work together! Click below to apply for Truck Parking Club’s Partner Program today!