Take a moment to check out the things around you – everyday items you keep on your desk, at your office and in your home. Take a close look, a really close look. I’m confident you’ll find that most of your belongings are attached to labels that read “Made in China,” “Made in Indonesia” or “Made in Mexico.” These labels tell us what we already know – America actively participates in a global economy.
Knowing this, I am surprised by the degree of controversy that surrounds the yearlong cross border trucking demonstration project. Established in September, this FMCSA-sponsored program allows select Mexican trucking companies to move freight beyond the 25-mile border zone. Up to100 Mexican carriers can operate freely on U.S. roads. In turn, approved U.S. carriers can travel throughout Mexico.
The obvious opponents, which include labor groups and independent truck owners, cite concerns over safety issues. But the project began only after the U.S. DOT Inspector General determined the FMCSA had taken necessary steps to ensure safety and confirmed the agency plans to check every truck that crosses the border as part of the pilot.
The FMCSA is also coordinating its efforts with a number of organizations and many participating Mexican carriers already operate in major cites such as El Paso and San Diego.
The pilot program is just that – a pilot. The idea is to test the waters before diving into a full-fledged border program that could compromise our roadways. I trust this initiative will be the impetus that leads America and Mexico to a sound cross border trucking program.
And the benefits are there. Since 1982, Mexican carriers have used the 25-mile zone to transfer freight to their U.S. counterparts. According to Logistics Today, these drop-and-hook operations run as high as $400 million a year. Supporters say opening domestic roadways to our southern neighbors could save American consumers hundreds of millions of dollars. Also, shippers could enjoy shortened lead times, less freight handling and more on-time deliveries, which translate into additional consumer benefits.
If we are going to participate in a global economy, we must be prepared to take the necessary steps to create safe, efficient and cost-effective trading. It’s almost hypocritical to do otherwise. Let’s not forget that we work and live in a global marketplace . . . the proof is all around us.
