| | | | | | Industry News Customs Brokerage News Eastern News | | | | | | | | | | DOT Issues Emergency Rule Restricting Non-Domiciled CDLs | | The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued an emergency interim rule strengthening how states issue non-domiciled commercial learner’s permits (CLPs) and commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). The decision comes after a nationwide Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) review found widespread state-level non-compliance and several fatal crashes involving non-domiciled drivers.
FMCSA’s review found: -
Illegal CDL issuances to ineligible or unlawfully present drivers. -
Systemic non-compliance in several states, including California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, and Washington. -
Poor oversight and training, allowing licenses to remain valid beyond a driver’s legal stay. Key provisions of the new rule: -
Restricts CDL eligibility to lawfully present foreign drivers with approved employment-based visas (H2-A, H2-B, E-2). -
Requires states to verify immigration status through DHS’s SAVE system. -
Sets CDL expiration to match the driver’s authorized stay or one year, whichever is shorter. -
Mandates in-person renewals and requires states to revoke licenses once a driver becomes ineligible. -
Requires states to retain supporting documents for two years. This rule closes critical licensing gaps, increases accountability among state agencies, and ensures that only qualified and lawful drivers operate commercial vehicles on U.S. roads.
To view the fact sheet published by the FMCSA, visit Protecting America's Roads: Restoring Integrity to Non-Domiciled CDLs | | | | | | | | | | | | CBP Operations During Government Shutdown | | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) held calls on October 1 and 6, 2025, to update the trade on operations during the government shutdown. CBP confirmed it is “open for business” and fully staffed at ports of entry.
Call Highlights Refunds and Payments: Permits and Licensing: -
Permits and FTZ/Bonded Warehouse activations continue as normal. -
Customs Broker License Exam (CBLE) expected on schedule. -
COLA Waivers: TTB furloughed; CBP will verify. Cargo Movement and Trade Operations: Employee Status: -
Most CBP staff are on duty, performing mission-critical operations. -
Overtime is authorized through Office of Trade; confirm locally. Tariff Guidance: CBP emphasized that all staff are currently working, and another call will be scheduled if staffing changes become necessary. Read more | | | | | | | | President Trump Implements Section 232 Tariffs on Timber, Lumber & Wood Products | | On September 28, President Trump signed a Proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, imposing tariffs on imported timber, lumber, and related wood products. The Commerce Department found that reliance on foreign lumber creates risks for U.S. defense, infrastructure, and the economy. These tariffs reduce dependence on imports, address unfair trade practices, and support domestic production.
Effective Date These tariffs apply to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on October 14, 2025.
Tariff Overview | | | Product Category | Current Global Tariff
| Global Tariff Effective Jan 1 | | Softwood lumber | 10% | 10% (Unchanged) | | Upholstered furniture | 25% | 30% | | Kitchen cabinets and vanities | 25% | 50% |
| | Additional Details - United Kingdom - Tariffs are capped at 10%
- EU & Japan - Combined Section 232 + MFN tariffs capped at 15%
- Items not covered by Section 232 generally face reciprocal tariffs
- Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners (PTAAP) remains unchanged unless an antidumping or countervailing duty order applies
For more information, view the full Annex List | | | | | | | | | | | | Eastern Volunteers at “Paws on the Runway” to Support Shelter Pets | | On August 23, Eastern joined the Humane Society of Greater Miami at their lively dog fashion show, Paws on the Runway, held at Aventura Mall. The event gave shelter dogs a joyful day outside the shelter—strutting the runway, receiving extra love and attention, and charming the community in hopes of finding forever homes.
Eastern’s HR Manager, Catherine Wagner, a dedicated volunteer, dog lover, and dog owner, proudly represented the company at the event. Catherine regularly donates her time to the Humane Society of Greater Miami, and her involvement reflects Eastern’s commitment to supporting meaningful causes through active community engagement. Read more | | | | | | | | Eastern Lends a Hand at RMHC-CNI’s Sporting Clays Tournament | |
Events like this directly support RMHC-CNI’s mission to keep families close to their hospitalized children. Beyond housing and meals, RMHC-CNI fosters a caring community, helping families focus on what matters most—the health and healing of their child.
Eastern is proud to support RMHC-CNI and volunteer alongside community partners to strengthen families, remove barriers, and promote healing when children need care. To view the event scores and photos, visit: Sporting Clays Tournament
To learn more about ways to support RMHC-CNI—through donations, individual volunteering, or group opportunities—at rmhccni.org/get-involved. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Our mailing address is: One Pierce Place, Suite 460 E, Itasca, IL 60143
| | | | | | | | | |
