Thread: Free Trade Alliance applauds Mexican trucks program

Last Updated: 7 September 2007

Free Trade Alliance applauds Mexican trucks program

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[Free
Free Trade Alliance Vice President Sarah S. Sanchez

SAN ANTONIO, September 6 - The Free Trade Alliance of San Antonio on Thursday applauded the U.S. and Mexican governments for introducing the pilot program that allows Mexican trucks on U.S. highways.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) officially announced the U.S. border is now open to Mexican domiciled trucks participating in the cross-border trucking pilot program.

The pilot program will allow up to 100 Mexican and 100 United States trucking companies to participate. Before participating, all companies must first meet rigorous U.S. safety standards and regulations.

In addition, Mexican trucking companies must provide proof of insurance and drivers must be able to communicate in English.

In a statement, the Alliance pointed out that in 2006 it proposed the pilot program to the DOT as a way to demonstrate how cross-border trucking can move cargo safely and efficiently back and forth between Mexico and the U.S. The proposal was made in conjunction with the Mexican Foreign Trade Council (COMCE) and with the support of Port San Antonio.

“The current drayage system of transferring goods from the truck of one country to that of the other is currently estimated to cost consumers $400 million each year,â€

Free Trade Alliance Vice President Sarah S. Sanchez

Well there ya go!