Mexican Trucks Refused Access To U.S. Roads
EL PASO, TX – The U.S. Senate put a new pilot program that allows cargo trucks from Mexico to have complete access throughout the entire U.S. on hold.
Last week, the program, which is actually part of a North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), gave access to U.S. roads to a select group of Mexican trucking companies.
“There will be unsafe drivers…a driver who is not alert will be an unsafe driver,” said Darryl McKenzie, a truck driver with the Teamsters Local Union 745.
The Senate agreed with the Teamsters and other opposition leaders and cut off funding for the program in a new bill that passed by a vote of 88 to 7. The strong vote in support for the bill means a veto by President Bush is likely to be overridden.
Funds for the program were earmarked to pre-screen 100 trucking companies from Mexico. However, industry experts tell ABC-7 Mexican trucking companies have a proven record on the border. “Every truck that crosses the border has been inspected at least a hundred times a year which says more than any U.S. truck that has been inspected,” said Armando Alarcon, with Swift Freight Lines.
“We’re concerned about the safety of the trucks, concerned about the pollution of the trucks… what are they going to be bringing into the U.S.”said Representative Ted Pope (R-Texas), who was also concerned about the quality of Mexican truck drivers.
As a result of the new bill, Mexican trucks will be limited to the 25 mile buffer zone along the border where they are allowed to transfer cargo to American carriers. Critics contend the move will only increase costs, which are then passed on to the American consumer.
The pilot program was supposed to go into effect 12 years ago as part of a NAFTA provision that gave the three North American partners access to each others roadways. Throughout that time, Canadian trucking lines have had access to all highways in the U.S. while Mexico’s trucks have remained stalled at the border.
