US moves a step closer to allowing Mexican trucks full access to US highways

International Herald Tribune ^ | Aug 18, 2007 | Associated Press

[Lovebloggers]

Let’ see the trucks are already deemed to be safe (please go to link to learn the extent of inspections/oversight will be):
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“We are ready with modern inspection facilities, and we have hired and trained hundreds of inspectors. All told, 540 federal and state inspectors are already on the job, standing by to screen trucks coming across the border from Mexico to ensure that both the drivers and their vehicles are safe to make deliveries in the United States.

And under our safety inspection plan, each and every truck in the demonstration program will be checked, and any unsafe vehicle or unfit driver will be taken off the road.

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. We know this because federal and state inspectors are already screening the trucks crossing into our country from Mexico.

We have years of experience, we have a rigorous safety inspection plan in place, and we have the facilities and the trained professionals to carry it out”

http://www.dot.gov/affairs/cbtsip/peters022307.htm
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2001 article that touches on the serious problems related to the archaic system in place:

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Over the past 15 years, U.S. trade with Mexico has increased 400 percent—from $48 billion to $239 billion—yet neither Mexico nor the United States has made the adjustments necessary to handle the growing traffic. Unlike U.S. commerce with any other nation but Canada, U.S.–Mexico trade is mostly truck trade. And whether truckers use busy Texas, California or Arizona crossings, they face congestion and long waits, usually associated with government inspections and customs processing.

http://www.dallasfed.org/eyi/global/0109border.html

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