U.S. Says Mexican Trucks Must Pay All Taxes, Fees

Top U.S. officials have confirmed that Mexican truckers who operate in the United States will have to pay all the federal and state taxes and registration fees that U.S. carriers must pay.

In a letter to American Trucking Associations, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Regina K. Vargo said, “there is nothing in the North American Free Trade Agreement that would exempt Mexican trucks operating in the United States from paying all federal and state operational taxes and registration fees.”

Congress is eyeing legislation that may delay or hinder the entry of Mexican trucks, but President Bush has vowed to veto any such measure. He has said he plans to admit qualified Mexican carriers hauling international cargo, starting Jan. 1.

For the full story, see the Sept. 3 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.