The deal will end a nearly 20-year ban on Mexican trucks crossing the U.S. border, a violation of NAFTA which subjected $2.4 billion of U.S. goods annually to punitive tariffs by Mexico and affected a wide range of U.S. exports--everything from agricultural produce, processed foods, construction equipment, and even Christmas trees. The agreement must be approved by the U.S. Congress.
The new requirements for Mexican trucks are tougher than those established originally under NAFTA. In a preview of what's to come for American truckers, Mexican trucks will have to carry EOBRs to ensure they do only cross-border runs and to track compliance with U.S. hours-of-service laws. Mexican drivers also will be required to speak English and their trucks must comply with with all DOT and EPA regulations imposed on American trucks.
The OOIDA and Teamsters were swift to condemn the agreement, while the ATA and U.S. Chamber of Commerce applauded the announcement. The National Chamber of Trucking (CANACAR), which represents 8,000 carriers in Mexico, has reserved comment. In January, CANACAR's president expressed doubts about any agreement because strict EPA regulations and low-emission diesel requirements would virtually eliminate the Mexican truck fleet from cross-border runs.
The OOIDA and Teamsters were swift to condemn the agreement, while the ATA and U.S. Chamber of Commerce applauded the announcement. The National Chamber of Trucking (CANACAR), which represents 8,000 carriers in Mexico, has reserved comment. In January, CANACAR's president expressed doubts about any agreement because strict EPA regulations and low-emission diesel requirements would virtually eliminate the Mexican truck fleet from cross-border runs.
The DOT hopes to have a proposed agreement available for congressional briefings and public notice and comment in the next several weeks.
