Thousands of truck drivers might soon face challenges as their commercial licenses risk downgrades beginning November 18, 2024. The FMCSA will require states to revoke CDL privileges for drivers marked as "Prohibited" in the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse.

Why it matters: If drivers don't complete the Return-to-Duty process, their licenses will be downgraded, impacting 177,092 CDL and CLP holders. This change could shake the trucking industry big time.

• Experts say this might make roads safer and could push truckload rates higher.
• States that haven’t enforced stricter policies will now have to comply, affecting a large number of drivers.

The market impact: The expected reduction in truckload capacity could lead to a rise in rates as lower equipment supply comes into play reported ACT Research.

Looking ahead: As states roll out their plans, many drivers are taking steps to clear their names from the Clearinghouse list. Truckers will need to stay alert as deadlines approach.

On a positive note, even if many licenses are impacted, industry analysts predict some private fleets may fill the gap with their own assets.