Briefly: Ohio latest state to stop issuing non-domiciled CDLs

Nov 5, 2026

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Ohio is the latest state to stop issuing non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses.

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) Registrar Charlie Norman recently announced that Ohio is ending its non-domiciled commercial driver’s license program.

This action follows BMV’s review of the credentials of about 5,000 non-domiciled CDL holders in Ohio to determine eligibility with updated requirements from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Since May, BMV has downgraded around 2,000 non-domiciled CDLs to standard driver’s licenses due to ineligibility with FMCSA’s new rules.

A statement from Norman said, "With Ohio’s decision to fully discontinue its non-domiciled CDL program, the licenses of all remaining non-domiciled CDL holders will also be downgraded to a standard license. BMV will send a letter notifying these individuals of the downgrade, which will be effective 30 days from the date of the letter. In compliance with state and federal law, individuals may request a hearing with the BMV to dispute the downgrade."

Ohio has not renewed or issued new non-domiciled CDLs since FMCSA updated non-domiciled CDL requirements in September 2025.

Ohio's move comes as part of the federal government's campaign against foreign truck drivers who are in the U.S. illegally. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has restricted non-domiciled CDLs and commercial learner's permits to specific visa holders (H-2A, H-2B, and E-2).

Man shoots at truck, calls it 'random act'

Police in Alabama arrested a man who fired a gun at a tractor-trailer on Highway 59 near Bay Minette.

The Balwin County Sheriff's office posted on social media that on Oct. 29, a driver reported his 18-wheeler was struck by a bullet. Deputies recovered a large-caliber projectile from the truck cab and observed damage consistent with a gunshot.

According to the sheriff's office, investigators later reviewed truck video footage and identified a dark-colored Chevrolet Avalanche pickup truck with what police called "distinctive white decals."

After a request for assistance was distributed to surrounding agencies, deputies located a matching vehicle at a Bay Minette residence.

Upon contact, Jason Chandler admitted to owning the vehicle and firing a handgun at the passing 18-wheeler. He stated the shooting was a random act and offered no motive.

Chandler was arrested and charged with discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle.

Mastio names Averitt top southern carrier

Tennessee-based Averitt has earned top recognition in Mastio & Company’s 2026 LTL Carrier Study, ranking as the highest-performing Southern LTL carrier and among the leading LTL carriers nationwide.

Averitt was named the top Southern carrier and ranked second nationally for both overall performance and likelihood to be recommended. Customer feedback was especially strong, with more than eight in 10 respondents recommending Averitt and virtually none rating the company negatively, according to a statement from the company.

“These results are especially meaningful because they reflect the experiences and opinions of our customers,” said Barry Blakely, Averitt’s president and COO. “Our associates work every day to make it easier for customers to do business with Averitt and deliver the consistent service they depend on. We are grateful for their trust and proud of the teamwork behind this recognition.”

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