Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, June 2, 2026:
Ohio issues notices to 5K non-domiciled CDL holders
Approximately 5,000 non-domiciled commercial driver’s license holders in Ohio will soon be notified about whether their credential will remain valid.
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) Registrar Charlie Norman on May 29 announced that BMV will be contacting Ohio’s non-domiciled CDL holders regarding the status of their credentials under updated rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
The Ohio BMV noted that it has not issued or renewed any non-domiciled CDL credentials since FMCSA updated its rules in September 2025, adding that it “does not intend to resume issuing new non-domiciled CDLs in the future nor will it renew any revalidated non-domiciled CDLs after they expire.”
Non-domiciled CDL holders in Ohio will receive one of two letters from Ohio BMV, depending on the type of documentation initially presented to obtain their current credential:
- A Notice of CDL Downgrade will be sent to individuals whose documentation does not meet FMCSA’s updated rules. These individuals’ CDL credentials will be downgraded to a Class D Passenger Driver License 30 days after receipt of the notice, prohibiting them from using their Ohio license to drive a commercial vehicle in the United States.
- Those who previously submitted documentation that does meet FMCSA’s updated rules will receive a letter stating that their credential remains valid until its expiration date.
[Related: FMCSA issues Final Rule banning non-domiciled CDLs almost entirely]
Drivers who receive a downgrade notice who believe their documents do meet the updated federal standards may request a hearing with the BMV to dispute the downgrade and/or submit additional documentation to BMV to prove their eligibility. The acceptable documents, according to federal regulations, include:
- An unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), valid on the most recent CDL/CLP issuance date. Even though FMCSA’s new rules for non-domiciled CDLs excludes EADs as acceptable documents, Ohio’s non-domiciled CDLs were issued prior to the September 2025 emergency final rule.
- An unexpired foreign passport with an unexpired USCIS I‑94 form, both of which must be valid on the most recent CDL/CLP issuance date.
The notices will be sent via the U.S. Postal Service to addresses on file with Ohio BMV.
Ohio has approximately 406,000 CDL holders. The reverification process does not apply to full CDL holders or CDL holders with legally established permanent residence.
[Related: Lawmaker looks to increase FMCSA oversight of non-domiciled CDL applicants]
Melton raising driver pay
Melton Truck Lines (CCJ Top 250, No. 71) has announced a driver pay increase in which all company drivers will receive an increase ranging from 5 to 8 cents per mile.
Melton’s pay scale still varies depending on experience and tenure. The increase will start entry-level drivers at 60 cpm and will give the most experienced drivers 70 cpm.
In addition to competitive pay, Melton drivers have numerous opportunities to earn additional income through $100 tarp pay, fuel bonuses, career path programs, and other incentive opportunities, the company said. Drivers also benefit from Melton’s flatbed securement training, where they receive hands-on instruction and preparation before being assigned their own late-model company truck.
“Our drivers have continued to demonstrate an unmatched level of commitment and hard work, even during one of the toughest freight markets in recent years,” said Bob Peterson, Chairman & CEO. “We’re incredibly proud of the professionalism and dedication they bring to the road every day. Flatbed trucking is not an easy job, and the success of our company is built on the resilience and work ethic of our drivers. Melton drivers are the best in the industry, and they deserve every bit of this increase. As we look ahead to the rest of the year, we remain committed to maintaining the employee-owned culture that sets Melton apart – one where people take pride in their work, support one another, and continue raising the standard of excellence.”
[Related: Nussbaum announces sizable driver pay increase]
New Iowa law sets fines, more for ELP violations
A new law in Iowa codifies the federal regulation that commercial motor vehicle drivers be able to demonstrate English language proficiency. The bill was signed into law by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on May 2.
Under terms of the new law, set to take effect March 1, 2027, the Iowa Department of Transportation will be required to examine the English proficiency of every person who applies for issuance or renewal of a CDL or commercial learner’s permit, and to deny issuance to anyone who fails the exam. Applicants will be allowed to retake the exams.
The bill also prohibits anyone who is no proficient in English from operating a commercial vehicle in the state, with violations punishable by a $1,000 fine and imprisonment not to exceed a year.
Truck drivers caught violating the provision would be placed out of service and could face a $1,000 fine along with up to a year in prison.
Motor carriers are also barred from employing a driver, including an independent contractor, who is not English proficient. Violating the provision is punishable by a $10,000 fine.
Officers are required to place motor carriers out-of-service if an investigation, safety audit, or normal business activity reveals that a carrier is allowing or has allowed a person who Is not proficient in English to operate a CMV within the previous year.
[Related: ELP, non-domiciled CDLs: What fleets need to know]
