Mexican Trucks May Get U.S. Access

TT File Photo

Mexican trucks could be allowed access to four U.S. border states by year’s end, according to Department of Transportation documents submitted to Congress.

"If our work proceeds as we anticipate, I am confident that we might be able to move toward processing new applications for operating authority from Mexican carriers, hopefully by the end of the year," Charles Hunnicutt, assistant DOT secretary for aviation and international affairs, said in written testimony submitted to the House Transportation subcommittee on appropriations last week.

Under the North American Free Trade Agreement, Mexican carriers were supposed to be allowed free access to California, Arizona, Texas and New Mexico in December 1995, but DOT has refused to open the border until it is satisfied that Mexican carriers meet U.S. safety standards.

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