USPS Plans to Limit Certain Non-Domiciled CDLs in Contract Operations
The U.S. Postal Service has announced plans to tighten safety rules for trucking companies that move mail and freight under contract with the agency. USPS says it plans to phase out the use of drivers with non-domiciled commercial drivers licenses (CDLs) who have not gone through screening by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
The decision connects to wider federal efforts to strengthen roadway safety. It follows a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) interim rule called “Restoring Integrity to the Issuance of Non-Domiciled Commercial Drivers Licenses.” The DOT rule is meant to improve oversight and documentation for drivers who fall under this licensing category.
What This Means for Trucking Safety
Drivers with non-domiciled CDLs are legally allowed to operate commercial vehicles in the United States but are not necessarily U.S. citizens or permanent residents. These licenses have received more federal attention recently due to concerns about how some states handled verification and paperwork.
USPS stated that reducing the number of unvetted drivers with non-domiciled CDLs in its contracted network may support stronger safety control. The agency said extending additional screening could improve accountability. Only drivers who pass Postal Inspection Service checks would be permitted to continue driving under this new plan.
USPS has not yet announced when this policy may begin. The agency says it plans to work with trucking contractors on a gradual rollout. USPS also did not say how many drivers could be affected or whether the shift could create staffing concerns.
Federal Safety Efforts Connected to Non-Domiciled CDLs
Federal officials have been reviewing how non-domiciled CDLs are issued across the nation. The DOT rule aims to reduce fraud risk and strengthen confidence in CDL documentation systems. Federal leaders have suggested that better control may support safer highways.
USPS said its move is meant to align with these federal safety goals. The agency hopes the added oversight of non-domiciled CDLs may help reduce risk within its transportation network.
The Postal Service relies heavily on highway trucking. According to USPS, about 55,000 truck loads move each day, totaling close to 2 billion miles annually. Due to that scale, even moderate policy adjustments can create effects across many regions and fleets.
Contracted Carriers May Need to Prepare for New Rules
Trucking companies that haul for USPS may need to review records and driver files connected to non-domiciled CDLs when the change takes effect. Carriers with affected drivers may face added screening steps to keep those drivers on postal routes.
USPS has not yet stated whether trucking companies will be required to remove unvetted drivers on their own or if the agency will manage the process directly. It is also not yet clear whether any exceptions may exist.
The impact may vary depending on how many drivers with non-domiciled CDLs operate in different regions. Some areas may see little effect. Others may see changes in driver availability. USPS has stated that the intention is focused on safety rather than reducing service.
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