<strong>Written By:</strong> Anonymous
<strong>Date:</strong> 2007-09-05 12:41:30
<a href="/article/103650424-mexican-trucking-program-tied-to-north-american-union">Article Link</a>

Many feel that all the safety issues have not been addressed or resolved, and what they are simply asking for is that Mexican trucks and drivers meet the same requirements as their American counterparts. Teamsters Union spokesperson Leslie Miller said, “Just because we have a free trade agreement doesn't mean people can come to our country and do business in a way that doesn't meet our standards.” Mexico lacks any effective safety standards for their drivers or trucks and has no reliable national criminal or driving database. They also have no accurate drug or alcohol policy in place and no certified testing facility. Also worrisome is that these same drivers and trucks will be granted access across the border in as little as 15 seconds as part of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Free and Secure Trade System. Teamsters president James Hoffa said of the pilot project, “We believe this program clearly breaks the law. We will continue to fight for safety and national security in the courts and in the Congress.”

There are to be 100 Mexican trucking companies participating in this pilot program, which is scheduled to last one year. In light of the time constraints and the number of trucks involved in the program, it may not serve as an adequate assessment of possible safety, security, and environmental concerns. Josh Dorner of the Sierra Club said, “There isn't enough evidence that the proposed pilot program will yield statistically valid results.” In this whole process, the stumbling block for some was the condition that American trucks be granted the same access to Mexico, and it appears as if new rules have been implemented to make this become a reality. A big concern of mine has always been when this program becomes fully implemented and they attempt to make it permanent, it could put thousands of American truckers out of work and severely undercut wages. This demonstration program is part of NAFTA and the corporate NAU agenda of further opening up our borders.

<a href="http://stoplying.ca/articles/07/sept/090507danamextruck.php">http://stoplying.ca/articles/07/sept/090507danamextruck.php</a>







[Proofreader’s note: this article was edited for spelling and typos on September 6, 2007]

Canadian trucking companies must also meet American standards. This not being the problem as Canadian standards do exceed American standards. However, hours of service and drug testing do differ between the countries. There is no requirement in Canada for drug testing and consequently no documentation to be signed by a MD. Mexico did have lower safety standards for their trucks and limited inspection facilities. Older trucks deemed unsafe by American authorities were banned. Because that became the problem, Mexican trucks were limited to their use of American highways. None the less, American Teamsters still see crossing either border as one way only. They have fought tooth and nail to prevent "foreign" trucking companies from delivering goods on their territory. (USA) They have no problem crossing the line and delivering in countries North or South of them The American trucking companies have more freedom in Canada then do Canadian cartage companies.

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