Why is financial management within a TMS crucial for trucking companies?
November 11, 2025
Industry Watch: Non-Domiciled CDLs – What Fleets Need to Know Now
In late September 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) instituted an emergency rule restricting issuance of non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs). It only allowed foreign-based drivers on specific work visas (H-2A, H-2B, E-2) to qualify, citing audit findings of widespread noncompliance across several states. (FMCSA)
What Just Changed — November 10, 2025
On November 10, 2025, a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued an administrative stay of the rule, pausing enforcement while the case proceeds. (Truck News)
“The purpose of this administrative stay is to give the court sufficient opportunity to consider the emergency motions for stay pending review… and should not be construed in any way as a ruling on the merits.”— Court statement, D.C. Circuit (Truck News)
Why This Matters for Carriers & Brokers
Workforce uncertainty: With up to 200,000 drivers previously estimated to hold non-domiciled CDLs, the stay introduces ambiguity over who remains eligible. (Truck News)
Compliance risk continues: Even though enforcement is paused, the underlying rule may still become law—taking steps now remains prudent.
Process clarity needed: The stay reflects procedural challenges (notice-and-comment concerns) in the rule’s formation, meaning states and fleets must monitor licensing protocols closely. (Trucksafe)
What You Should Do Today
Audit driver credentials – Identify any drivers with non-domiciled CDLs and track their visa status, domicile records, and license renewal eligibility.
Monitor regulatory updates – The stay is temporary; revisit your policies once the court rules on merit or issues a full stay.
Update internal workflows – Use your TMS to flag licenses tied to non-standard visa types and automate renewal reminders or status checks.
Communicate with stakeholders – Ensure dispatch, safety, HR, and compliance teams understand the pause is not a full repeal and must be treated with caution.
At Datatruck, we’re watching this topic closely—and we’re prepared to help fleets integrate license status tracking and compliance alerts into your operational workflows.
👉 Need help auditing your driver credentials or building automated tracking in your system? Let’s talk.