U.S. Roads May Reopen to Mexican Trucking Companies

Last Update: 3:01 pm

WASHINGTON - The Obama administration is circulating a proposal for re-opening U.S. roads to Mexican trucking companies, a starting point in an attempt to resolve a longstanding trade dispute.

The Transportation Department released the proposal on Thursday after showing it to members of Congress. It lays out conditions that Mexican long-haul truck carriers would have to meet, including a safety audit, emissions standards and driver background checks.

The U.S. trucking companies and drivers oppose giving Mexican carriers access to the U.S. trucking market. They say Mexican trucks don't have to meet as stringent safety standards as their U.S. counterparts, which would give them an economic advantage.

Mexico has protested the lack of access as a violation of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

The U.S. canceled its previous Mexican trucking program in March 2009, leading Mexico to impose tariffs on a rotating list of U.S. products.

The U.S. products, valued at about $2.5 billion., include rice, beef, soy sauce and sunglasses.

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