The U.S. Postal Service said on Monday it will begin working with its contracted trucking providers to phase out the use of non-domiciled Commercial Driver's License (CDL) operators who have not been thoroughly vetted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
"USPS just completed an extremely safe and efficient peak season delivering the nation's holiday mail and packages," said Postmaster General and CEO David Steiner. "We believe this additional requirement will strengthen the safety, efficiency, and reliability of our services into the future."
When reached by CCJ Monday evening, a USPS spokesperson could not provide details on the U.S. Postal Inspection Service vetting process. The DOT has called for reforms that would restrict eligibility for non-domiciled CDLs to specific employment-based visas (H-2A, H-2B, and E-2). It would also require in-person renewals with proof of lawful status—such as a passport or I-94/95A—and mandate that states verify this information through the federal SAVE system.
Millions of loads, billions of miles
The Postal Service moves 55,000 loads daily by truck—nearly 2 billion miles per year. By tightening the use of non-domiciled CDL drivers by third-party carriers, USPS said it is seeking to improve transportation safety and accountability while adding yet another layer of protection.
USPS added its actions are consistent with the DOT's recent interim final rule, "Restoring Integrity to the Issuance of Non-Domiciled Commercial Driver's Licenses." This rule refers to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations and proposed legislation, such as the Non-Domiciled CDL Integrity Act, aimed at fixing state-level flaws in how CDLs are issued to foreign nationals.
Previously, non-domiciled CDL applicants were required to complete an application, pass a driving/skills test, and provide an unexpired employment authorization form issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or an unexpired foreign passport accompanied by an approved I-94 form.
