Strong Words, Big Controversy

Controversy continues to dog the White House cross-border trucking proposal, with the latest salvo coming  from the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association.

The OOIDA is challenging the DOT’s legal authority to exempt Mexico truck drivers from certain U.S. regulations. Association executive vice president Todd Spencer has strong words on the topic of giving Mexico truck drivers a pass, a move that the FMCSA contends is necessary to comply with NAFTA.

“Succumbing to Mexico’s bullying provides a handy attack plan for them and other governments in future trade disputes,” Spencer said. “This program should not go forward unless and until Mexico raises the safety, security and environmental standards for their trucking industry. We should not allow ourselves to be harassed or blackmailed into lowering ours.”

Meanwhile, the American Trucking Associations has endorsed the Obama Administration’s plan to once again allow Mexican trucks to cross the border into the U.S. But there are caveats. In particular, the ATA chafes at the notion of the feds purchasing electronic onboard recorders for Mexican truckers.

Your thoughts on the controversy? We bet you might have something to say.