NAFTA-Approved Mexican Trucks Could Pose A Risk to Texas Motorists

(Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

A cross-border trucking pilot program that has been stalled for years is finally moving forward. Under the provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Mexican trucking companies can now send drivers farther north on U.S. highways.

Prior to the new program, Mexican trucks were confined to a 25 mile-wide strip north of the Mexican border. Even though the program will be monitored by the U.S. government, the question still remains whether or not the safety of U.S. motorists will be compromised.

Proponents of the program say that the trucks and drivers will be inspected by U.S. agencies to ensure safety. Some of the measures authorities will be taking to ensure safety include installing GPS tracking devices to monitor driving activity, performing criminal background checks for the drivers, and conducting truck inspections. However, once the pilot program ends, it is uncertain whether those safety measures will be continued, considering they come at the expense of the U.S. tax payer.

Opponents of the program include, U.S. Representatives Duncan Hunter (R-Ca) and Bob Filner (D-Ca), The Teamsters, and the AFL-CIO. All cite safety as a major concern in allowing Mexican trucks to drive deeper into the U.S. According to Lorena Gonzalez, head of the San Diego Chapter of the AFL-CIO, many Mexican trucks lack safety features like anti-lock brakes, and Mexican trucks are not maintained as well as U.S. trucks. Additionally, medical standards for Mexican truck drivers are below U.S. standards. All of these conditions could make accidents more likely and result in more injuries to U.S. drivers.

Mexican trucks are expected to be on the U.S. roadways in greater numbers within months. One Mexican trucking company, Transportes Olympic, has already been approved to operate by the U.S. Department of Transportation. At least one other company, Grupo Behr, has been delayed from operating based on evidence of a lack of systematic maintenance. As the number of trucks from Mexico increases, there could be a greater risk of truck accidents for Texas drivers.