Cross-border trucking is considered a victory by business groups, but derided by labor unions, independent truckers, environmentalists and consumer activist groups.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration released plans Friday for a new pilot trucking project … that would allow Mexican truckers to operate within the U.S. for up to three years as long as they comply with all U.S. safety requirements.
Independent truckers, the Teamsters union and consumer advocacy groups such as Public Citizen oppose giving Mexican truckers greater access to U.S. highways.
“This plan is irresponsible and reckless,” said Todd Spencer, executive vice president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, who accused the DOT and Obama administration of “placating Mexico’s government.”
“The onus is on Mexico to raise the safety, security and environmental standards for their trucking industry,” said Spencer. “We should not allow ourselves to be harassed or blackmailed into lowering ours,” he said.