Multiple CDL violations uncovered in Florida truck crash

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Driver failed post-crash English proficiency exam, according to DOT

The post-crash inspection report reveals multiple violations for both the driver, Harjinder Singh, and the truck owned by White Hawk Carriers.

In August 2025, a recent Florida truck crash involving Hargender Singh and White Hawk Carriers resulted in multiple violations, including the driver's alleged illegal U-turn, the truck's non-compliance with FMCSA regulations, and the driver's undocumented status and improper license acquisition. The incident also highlighted violations by Washington State and New Mexico in the licensing process, leading the FMCSA to revoke the carrier's operating authority and a full investigation into the crash.
Violations Involved

• Driver's Actions:
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  Hargender Singh is accused of performing an illegal U-turn on the Florida Turnpike,which caused the trailer to jackknife and collide with a minivan, resulting in three fatalities.
• Undocumented Status and Licensing:
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  Singh was identified as an undocumented immigrant who obtained a commercial driver's license in California despite not being legally in the U.S.
• State Licensing Failures:
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  Preliminary findings indicated that Washington State and New Mexico violated FMCSA rules in issuing the driver's license, which contributed to the tragedy.
• Truck and Carrier Violations:
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  The truck involved in the crash, owned by White Hawk Carriers, also had multiple violations noted in the post-crash inspection report, leading the FMCSA to revoke the carrier's operating authority.
• FMCSA Non-Compliance:
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  The overall situation was attributed to a lack of enforcement of FMCSA rules, with allegations that unqualified foreign drivers acquired licenses improperly.

Investigations and Consequences

• FMCSA Investigation:
  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) launched an investigation into the driver and the motor carrier, White Hawk Carriers, Inc.
• Revoked Operating Authority:
  The FMCSA revoked the operating authority of White Hawk Carriers in response to the violations.
• Criminal Proceedings:
  The investigation is supporting ongoing criminal proceedings against Singh.
• US Marshals Involvement:
  U.S. Marshals arrested Singh after he was found to be an undocumented immigrant with an illegally obtained commercial driver's license

• In 12 of 24 inspections, vehicles operated by White Hawk had violations, some serious enough to be placed out of service.
• Specific violations included:
  • Defective brakes, with at least 20% of the brakes on inspected trucks found to be faulty in June 2024, and April 2025 inspections.
  • Leaking or underinflated tires, which were noted during inspections in September and October 2024.
  • Unsecured cargo, with trucks sidelined on multiple occasions in 2025 for having improperly secured vehicle components or dunnage.

Unsafe driving incidents and driver qualification issues

• Federal safety records documented nine incidents of unsafe driving by White Hawk drivers within a two-year period, including speeding, improper lane changes, and distracted driving.
• Two of the company's drivers were cited for operating commercial vehicles with suspended licenses in early 2024.
• Following the August 2025 crash, an investigation revealed the driver involved had failed the required English Language Proficiency assessment and had obtained commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) that were under federal investigation for improper issuance.

Company status

• In August 2025, the company's insurance was canceled and its federal operating authority to operate as an interstate motor carrier was revoked by the FMCSA.
• This action was taken amid a federal investigation into the fatal crash that involved one of its drivers and followed heightened public scrutiny over the company's safety record.
• White Hawk Carriers
  is now listed as "permanently closed" on Google.