The Trump administration has launched a sweeping, multi-agency crackdown on fraud in the U.S. trucking industry, targeting commercial driver’s license (CDL) training schools, testing providers, trucking companies and criminal networks accused of helping unqualified drivers enter the nation’s highways.
Under the "emergency executive removal," more than 110 training providers have been shut down. The trucking schools must immediately cease operating as federally recognized entry-level driver training providers.
Additionally, more than 160 providers face proposed removal following nearly 400 investigations conducted across 40 states, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
"The last administration allowed trucking schools to self-certify," Duffy said, adding that it created significant implications for road safety.
Duffy said some Americans have been directly affected by unqualified truckers and family members have been hurt, or in some cases, killed.
He pointed out that many facilities have unlicensed instructors teaching potential drivers and some trucking schools don't even have classrooms to hold their training courses.
Federal officials said the affected training schools repeatedly certified drivers who were later cited for failing to meet federal English-language proficiency requirements. The administration has argued that inadequate training and improper licensing can create serious safety risks on the nation's roads.
The Trump administration pointed out that the crackdown goes beyond the shutdown of individual training schools, announcing that Homeland Security Investigations, the Justice Department and other federal agencies are probing suspected fraud and other criminal activity connected to the commercial trucking sector.
Investigators will examine allegations involving fraudulent CDLs, identity-document fraud, unauthorized employment, financial crimes, money laundering and labor exploitation. Authorities will also investigate potential connections between trucking-related businesses and human smuggling, drug trafficking and cartel activity.
The Justice Department has also announced the creation of the Joint Task Force Crossroads of America, bringing together federal prosecutors and law-enforcement agencies in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.
According to the Transportation Department, more than 28,000 commercial drivers have been placed out of service for English-language-proficiency violations since June 2025. The department says it has also worked with states to cancel more than 30,000 licenses it considers illegally issued to foreign drivers.
Mullin noted that DHS would pursue not only drivers but also businesses, intermediaries and government employees suspected of facilitating fraudulent licensing.