Legal Immigration for Mexican Truck Companies?

In a move already angering some domestic carriers, the Department of Transportation confirmed at a press conference on Friday that in two months, more than 100 Mexican-owned and operated trucking companies will be given access to specified commercial zones in the United States.

Of those 100 companies, 70 of them already operate in a limited fashion in the United States, while the others have no operating experience on U.S. soil. Inspection teams from the U.S. have already begun looking at the Mexican trucks, and will ensure that the trucks and drivers meet the same safety, insurance, and driving history standards that are required by U.S. trucks.

Mary Peters, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, in a press conference Friday in El Paso, says these inspections will guarantee safe operation of Mexican vehicles on U.S. roadways.

"Our records show that Mexican trucks currently operating in the commercial zone are as safe as the trucks operated by companies here in the United States," she said. "We know this because federal and state inspectors are already screening the trucks crossing into our country from Mexico."

Officials at the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association aren't pleased at these recent developments. One particular sticking point has been the safety audits the trucks, drivers and companies will be subjected to.

"They can't confirm whether they are safe or not. The documentation doesn't exist on driver experience, drug testing or anything else," OOIDA President Jim Johnston said.

Secretary Peters feels the inspection facilities are ready, and will ensure safety for the American motorist. "Our records show that Mexican trucks currently operating in the commercial zone are as safe as the trucks operated by companies here in the United States," she said. "We know this because federal and state inspectors are already screening the trucks crossing into our country from Mexico."