Mexican Truck Program * Usa - DOT Proposes Revised One

A Mexican official said that while Mexico welcomed the proposal, it was " just an initiative"  and would not yet prompt the country to lift the tariffs

Washington,DC,USA -Transport Topics (USA) & TI (UK) -7 Jan 2011: -- The Obama administration released an outline of what the resumption of a cross-border trucking program with Mexico would look like, in an effort to stem the ongoing dispute that has led to Mexico putting tariffs on some U.S. goods... In an effort to reopen the border, Mexico has imposed tariffs on dozens of goods accounting for billions of dollars of trade between the two countries... The released  plan's principles are similiar to the program established by the Bush administration but was shuttered by Congress in 2009...   Among the items included in the document are:

* Mexican carriers will apply for long-haul operations. Passenger and hazardous materials carriers will not be included.

* All applicants will be vetted by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security.

* Mexican carriers will be required to pass an English language proficiency and US traffic laws knowledge tests

* Review of safety management programs, driving records and proof of insurance

* Use of electronic monitoring to monitor trucks, drivers and carriers.

* A federal advisory committee will be established, representing key stakeholders, to oversee the program.

Rod Nofziger, director of government affairs for the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, told that the driver group “appreciated” DOT allowing for review and comment of its proposal, but said “they seem to be missing our primary objections,” which include potential safety issues of Mexican trucks...  Despite opponent's arguments against the plan, extending US trucking standards to Mexican truckers can potentially provide opportunities for US truckers... The plan, which needs congressional approval, is a starting point that will be used in negotiations with Mexico... (Photo: Border, USA/Mexico, crossing)