The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has announced a new requirement for its contracted trucking providers to phase out use of non‑domiciled commercial drivers who have not been thoroughly vetted by federal safety authorities — a move aimed at strengthening safety standards across its transport network.
Under the updated policy, USPS will work with third‑party haulers that move mail and packages between distribution centres to eliminate drivers holding non‑domiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) who lack proper eligibility and vetting by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The decision aligns with broader federal efforts, including an interim rule from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) intended to tighten CDL issuance criteria.
Non‑domiciled CDL holders — which include some foreign‑born drivers licensed in states other than their residence — have been the focus of safety concerns following audits and debates over documentation standards. While a federal appeals court has temporarily halted the FMCSA’s new rule, USPS is proceeding independently to strengthen its contractor requirements.
The USPS operates a vast trucking network, moving tens of thousands of truckloads daily, and the tighter vetting standards could affect how carriers recruit and deploy drivers — particularly in long‑haul and linehaul segments that historically have included non‑domiciled license holders.
Officials emphasise that the primary motivation is enhancing safety for the public, employees and mail transport operations, but critics warn that strict eligibility requirements could have broader implications for driver supply and freight capacity at a time when the trucking sector already faces labour challenges.
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