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Groups sue to halt Mexican cross border deal
Posted: Sep 6, 2011 11:16 AM | Last Updated: Mar 27, 2012 08:30 AM

WASHINGTON -- The Teamsters and special interest group Public Citizen are seeking to block the U.S.'s cross-border trucking program with Mexico.

In a lawsuit filed Friday in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco against the DOT's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the groups allege that the pilot program sets standards that aren't stringent enough for Mexican trucks and drivers.

Reportedly, seven Mexican carriers have already applied to participate in the program, which could start in just a few weeks.

In July, the DOT ratified a new three-year program that would allow Mexican truckers access to the U.S. market beyond the 20-mile restriction zone they're currently limited to.

The Obama administration, pressured by a then-Democratic Congress, shut down the former Bush administration's cross-border demonstration program. However, the White House quickly put in motion a new, permanent program when Mexico retaliated with tariffs on U.S. exports to Mexico.

Under the agreement, Mexico will start to phase out the tariffs when the program begins.

 
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Anonymous

2011/09/08

at 10:49 AM

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It is interesting to watch this scenario unfold. It is driven mainly by the Teamsters and they continue to harp on the safety issues with Mexican drivers and equipment. What they are doing here is displaying their belief that Mexican carriers are being treated differently than Americans or Canadians. The law is the same for all and if the Mexican carriers can comply then why not allow them in. They are hiding their financial fears behind the safety and security umbrella. Competition is a good thing for shippers. On interesting fact is that equipment in Mexico used for transporting explosives cannot be more than five years old. Tell that to a teamster and ask him to replace tractors and trailers every five years!! I bet you I know their response!! Lewis Greig Compliance Director NA Orica USA Inc. Watkins Co.lewis.greig@orica.com

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