English on the Road: Why It’s Important & Vital to Business
English, What’s the big Deal?
As a third-party warehouse, we deal with a variety of drivers bringing goods in from all over. Additionally, we store for a client who brings quite a few loads in from Mexico; however, the drivers check in and don’t speak any English. Consequently, this barrier creates problems. Therefore, let’s take a closer look.
Testing
In my opinion, the first issue, therefore, revolves around testing. Specifically, where and how can drivers take a CDL test in languages other than English, and furthermore, why is this practice permitted? Additionally, why do insurance companies, whether brokers or private firms, choose to insure non-English speaking drivers? Consider this: if my teenager, for instance, cannot have a cell phone during her testing, then why is it acceptable for someone to have one while taking the CDL test?
English On The Road
Have you ever wondered how non-English speaking drivers navigate to their destinations? Most of them, in fact, rely on a translator in the cab of their truck. However, is this practice completely safe? In my honest opinion, no, it’s not. Specifically, translation programs can become outdated and may not reflect current road closures or emergency alerts displayed on signs. Consequently, if drivers can’t read the signs, they pose an 80,000-pound hazard to others on the road. Therefore, road safety is paramount; if you can’t read road signs, you shouldn’t be behind the wheel.
Consignees
How does interacting with non-English speaking drivers impact consignees? I can attest that, indeed, it can be both challenging and frustrating at times. Specifically, we do everything we can to communicate, even resorting to tools like Google Translate on our cell phones. For instance, when drivers must sign in upon arrival, they often find that, if they can’t read our language, they have no idea what to write in the logbook. Consequently, when we ask for their phone numbers, they often respond with confused expressions. Ultimately, speaking a common language is essential in business.
For More Information
I’m including a link to an article that discusses some of the actions being taken in certain states to counteract some of this. It discusses many aspects of transportation.
