Long Overdue Mexico–USA Trucking Agreement Signed

On July 6th, transportation officials in Mexico and the US signed an agreement aimed at resolving a 15-year-old cross-border trucking dispute. The accord, if signed by Congress, would end the USA's disregard of a NAFTA provision allowing Mexican trucks to compete with US trucks in hauling cargo from and to Mexico.

On the Mexican side, outrage at the US procrastination had led to retaliatory tariffs on US exports ranging from pork to consumer care products and valued at more than $2 billion per year.

In the USA, it was feared that the trucking accord would bring unfair competition due to much lower wages in Mexico and concerns about safety issues, such as poorly maintained Mexican trucks, lack of safety regulations, and under-qualified drivers.

The accord now requires all Mexican trucks operating in the USA to comply with US safety standards and mandates the installation of monitoring devices to track truck usage and compliance with hours of service requirements.

Supporters of the agreement immediately urged Congress not to derail the program and allow the country to fall short again of its commitments under NAFTA.

Opponents use safety concerns about Mexican trucks as a strong argument to vote against the agreement, even though Mexican trucks will be under increased scrutiny and subjected to the same regulations as US trucks.

Another major concern is the job situation. Mexican truck drivers will not be allowed to haul goods from one US location to another and are only involved in hauling cargo to or from Mexico. Experts estimate that whatever increased trucking competition there will be is going to be offset by the higher volume of trade between the two countries.

If you have been hurt in a Virginia truck crash, please contact our Warrenton or Culpeper office today. You can discuss your case with one of our skilled, dedicated attorneys who can help you secure fair compensation.