The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) recently announced a significant policy change aimed at enhancing road safety and security. Starting January 5, 2024, USPS will require all contracted trucking providers to phase out non-domiciled commercial drivers who have not undergone rigorous vetting.
Key Details of the Policy Shift
- Announcement Date: January 5, 2024
- Requirement: All non-domiciled drivers must be thoroughly vetted by postal inspection officials.
- Objective: To maintain high safety standards for employees and the public.
Amber McReynolds, chairwoman of the Postal Service Board of Governors, emphasized the importance of this new requirement. “The safety of our employees, our customers, and the American public is of the utmost concern to the Postal Service,” she stated.
Understanding Non-Domiciled Driver Licensing
Non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) are issued in states where the license holder is not a permanent resident. This group includes undocumented migrants and foreign nationals legally present in the U.S. on work visas. The vetting process will now be mandatory for these drivers before they can operate under USPS contracts.
Background and Previous Enforcement
Under the previous administration, enforcement actions targeting undocumented drivers intensified. Initiatives such as ICE’s “Operation Midway Blitz” and California’s “Operation Highway Sentinel” resulted in numerous arrests. Advocates argue these measures disproportionately affect migrants, while supporters claim they are necessary to uphold immigration laws and ensure highway safety.
Recent Incidents Highlighting Safety Concerns
Several tragic incidents involving unlicensed drivers have raised alarms regarding licensing and safety standards. Notable cases include:
- October 2025: Jashanpreet Singh in Ontario, CA, charged after a crash killed three, allegedly while under the influence.
- August 2025: Harjinder Singh on Florida’s Turnpike was involved in a fatal collision after making an illegal U-turn.
- November 2025: Rajinder Kumar’s jackknifing incident in Oregon resulted in two fatalities.
Concerns Over Driver Vetting Gaps
Shannon Everett from American Truckers United voiced concerns about vulnerabilities in driver vetting. An audit by the USPS Office of Inspector General highlighted these gaps, suggesting they could compromise mail safety and endanger public safety.
Federal Policies and CDLs
The Trump administration imposed stricter measures on commercial driver licensing. In 2025, new rules restricted non-domiciled CDL eligibility to certain visa holders. This shift aimed to address safety concerns after several crashes involving non-citizen drivers.
Impact on States and Drivers
States faced pressure over federal funding, with threats from the Department of Transportation to revoke significant allocations if compliance was not met. California and New York encountered potential losses in funding due to non-enforcement of licensing regulations.
Industry Perspectives
David Steiner, the Postmaster General, confirmed that USPS’s rigorous vetting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure safe and efficient operations. Everett reiterated the importance of accountability to address the public safety hazards presented by unqualified drivers.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy echoed these sentiments, calling for only the most skilled drivers on American roads. The move is seen as a necessary step to protect the safety of all road users while preserving the integrity of the trucking industry.
In conclusion, the USPS’s new policy signifies a crucial step in addressing safety and regulatory compliance in the trucking industry, highlighting the need for thorough vetting of all drivers operating in the U.S.
