A program to allow Mexican trucks to deliver goods beyond the 20-mile zone to which they are currently restricted is under review, and the Obama administration could reopen the U.S. border in part of a pilot program. Safety groups and unions among others had previously lobbied to cancel the program because Mexican trucks did not meet U.S. safety standards and regulations.

Obama Administration Looks to Reopen Border to Mexican Trucks

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration could be close to reopening the U.S. border to Mexican trucks under a new cross-border pilot program.

According to Bloomberg, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Mexico’s retaliatory tariffs on about 90 U.S. products — put in place in response to the administration’s decision to scrap the previous Bush era truck crossing program — is putting a “huge” burden on American producers.

Lawmakers who originally urged the new transport secretary to halt the program could now change their minds after hearing from angry U.S. exporters.

Safety groups and unions had pressured the administration to cancel the program because of what they claimed was Mexican trucks’ failure to meet U.S. safety and regulatory standards.

Recently, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association lost its bid to have a court declare the defunct cross-border trucking pilot illegal.

LaHood has said he wants to revive the program that lets Mexican trucks deliver goods across the border beyond the 20-mile zone they’re currently restricted to. He said he prefers a permanent program.

A new program is currently at the White House awaiting review. LaHood said he would bring it to Congress after next week’s recess.

[source - trucknews.com]