This is the Wilmington Standard Daily Update for Wednesday December 4th, 2025.

The person driving that big rig barreling down on you might not be properly trained, properly vetted, and might not even be able to pass a simple English test.  Yet many are still given licenses to drive 80,000 pound trucks on our highways.

According to The Center Square, about 3000 truck driver training centers nationwide – including 78  here in North Carolina and at least one here in Wilmington – had their certifications yanked  from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Training Provider Registry. 

Administrator Derek Barrs of the motor carrier safety administration and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy say those removed are cited for “falsifying or manipulating training data; neglecting to meet required curriculum standards, facility conditions or instructor qualifications; and failing to maintain accurate, complete documentation or refusing to provide records during federal audits or investigations.”

Another 4500 training centers – including 86 here in North Carolina – were put on notice for potential non-compliance.

The notices list includes four more churches or faith organizations; Duke University and multiple public school districts; municipalities; hospital authorities; a sheriff’s office as well as the State Highway Patrol, and correctional facilities within the federal and state umbrellas.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual income for truck drivers is $55,900.  That is a lot of money for someone who cannot read English, does not understand the training, and just might not be in our country legally. 

America relies on truckers to transport the products we need and use on a daily basis. Lets make sure they know what they are doing.

For the Wilmington Standard, I’m Reuel Sample.  Thanks for listening.