Posted on 08/20/2007 2:47:47 AM PDT by djf
WASHINGTON: Some Mexican trucks will be allowed to carry cargo anywhere in the United States as soon as a U.S. inspector general certifies safety and inspection plans, the administration of President George W. Bush announced Friday. The latest step toward implementing a controversial provision of the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement drew instant condemnation from labor and driver-owner groups that fear the program will erode highway safety and eliminate U.S. jobs. The decision was announced by a Transportation Department notice in the Federal Register, a daily compendium of new federal rules read mostly by lobbyists and lawyers. A one-year demonstration project allowing 100 Mexican motor carriers full access to U.S. roads will begin as soon as the department's inspector general certifies that safety and inspection plans and facilities are sufficient to ensure the Mexican trucks are at least as safe as U.S. trucks. That requirement was imposed by Congress. Mexican trucks are now confined to commercial zones within about 25 miles (40.2 kilometers) of the border. The inspector general's report to Congress is expected soon. Teamster Union president Jim Hoffa questioned the timing — during Congress' August recess — of the administration's decision "to move forward with its hugely unpopular program to throw open our borders to unsafe Mexican trucks." Hoffa noted that the U.S. House of Representatives voted last month to cut off funding for the program but that the Senate has yet to vote. The Transportation Department concluded the demonstration, involving about 10 percent of the Mexican truckers who applied, "is sufficient to determine whether the safety oversight program" can ensure there will be no erosion of highway safety.
(Excerpt) Read more at iht.com ...
Traffic laws are suggestions in Mexico, and safety is an afterthought.
Do American truckers have full access to Mexican roads? If not, it’s a crappy deal. Of course, driving in Mexico is taking your life in your hands anyway, so not a very fair trade at all.
“The Transportation Department concluded the demonstration, involving about 10 percent of the Mexican truckers who applied, “is sufficient to determine whether the safety oversight program” can ensure there will be no erosion of highway safety.”
I wonder if they will offer the lives of their families to this experiment?
full access to American roads and highways will be given to them on Sept. 1st
Great news. GW couldn’t give Mexico an amnesty bill last month, but this should be a start to at least setting up a three state country. Should be a wonderful meeting in Montebello Quebec starting today.
With the fall of the dollar, the peso should be catching up soon.
I spent a week down there on vacation and was told by some very, very reliable sources that under no circumstances should I drive down there.
It’s a rat race, they’re the rats, and they know the rules. (and the local judges and cops).
Just like on the immigration thing, they do things the way THEY want to.
US moves a step closer to allowing Mexican trucks full access to US highways
they do NOT have to adhere to US polluition stands...they don’t have to abide to US safety laws,,,they will carry truck loads of illegals to sanctuary cities,,,
what a great plan!!!!
In fact I think American trucks are specifically prohibited from Mexican roads.
But you can bet after China takes up a bunch of the Port management facilities down there, that the Chinese will be able to drive around!
This ain’t “free trade”, and it sure as heck ain’t “fair trade”...
Relax guys, an inspector general is gonna certify the safety plans.
stupid is as stupid does.
First thing Monday morning and I'm actually agreeing with the Teamster's Union president. What a way to start the week. But he's right to question the timing of this horrendously bad idea. I wonder if it's too late to stop it.
I bet we will see some very shiney rigs rolling over those borders paid for by some american companys all to eager to do away with the Teamsters and their high wages along with the independent trucker as well.
I hope we learned alot from the immigration bill debacle.
The politicians will listen when we make it plain to them that their very job depends on doing what’s right.
And let’s face it, sad as it may be, the current immigration views of Americans are pretty inflamed by incidents like the Newark murders.
Here we have another example of a Federal agency being reduced to figurehead status... the DOT. They will be able to put the screws to American truckers, but will idly stand by when Jose or Pedro goes over his weight limit, had bad brakes, doesn’t keep the proper logs, or drives 36 hours straight with the help of a few black beauties.
Time will tell.
Lets hope we don’t have to pay for it with very many of our own smeared all over the highways...
I was pretty sure that US truckers wouldn’t be allowed down there.
“This ain’t “free trade”, and it sure as heck ain’t “fair trade”...”
I’m with you. I am for free trade but this is the sort of one-sided deal that makes me want to spit. What’s the matter with the Bush administration?
Jose or Pedro help of a few black beauties.
Racist!!! Now I know why we are called a hate site. /s
My old man was a trucker.
If my mom found any BB’s, she’d cuss him out and flush them down the toilet.
It was pretty rare, but it happened.
Good for your dad.
This is another one of governments bad plans.
Can’t wait to find out what else GW will give to our friends in the north and south these next couple of days at the NAU meeting.
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