Another Step Toward Implementing NAFTA Cross-Border Truck, Bus Provisions

May 3, 2002

U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta today congratulated the first graduates of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) border auditors course. He commended them for successfully completing the rigorous training program and emphasized the important part they will have in ensuring that Mexico-domiciled commercial vehicles operate safely in the United States when the NAFTA cross-border truck and bus provisions are implemented this summer.

"President Bush and I are committed to extending the benefits of free trade throughout our hemisphere, while ensuring that all trucks and buses operate safely in the United States," said Secretary Mineta. "Each of these auditors will help the United States to safely implement the truck and bus provisions of NAFTA."

Today's graduates will join other FMCSA auditors in conducting safety audits of Mexico-domiciled motor carriers and roadside inspections on commercial motor vehicles to ensure safety in cross-border traffic. They are part of USDOT's effort to further the Bush administration's commitment under NAFTA to fully and safely open the border to international trucking. They will be assigned responsibility for promoting and enforcing the federal motor carrier safety regulations (FMCSR) and hazardous material regulations.

The Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002, signed into law by President Bush on Dec. 18, 2001, established three categories of personnel to ensure the safe operation of commercial vehicles at the border. The three categories are safety inspector, safety auditor, and safety investigator. Each position performs distinct duties, although a safety investigator is qualified to perform all the tasks of each position. The positions and their duties include:

Safety Inspector - Performs commercial motor vehicle (CMV) inspections to ensure compliance with FMCSR.
Safety Auditor - Conducts safety reviews of Mexico-domiciled carriers. They are also trained to perform vehicle inspections. Safety reviews include verification of safety management programs such as hours-of-service compliance, vehicle inspection and maintenance, drug and alcohol testing programs, and financial responsibility. The review also includes verification of driver qualifications, vehicle inspections, and an interview with carrier officials to inspect safety management controls.
Safety Investigator - Conducts compliance reviews on Mexico-domiciled carriers to ensure they operate safely, conducts safety audits, and vehicle inspections. 

On March 14, 2002, the FMCSA took a key step toward opening the border by issuing a series of rules that will govern how Mexico-domiciled carriers can apply for operating authority and procedures to ensure the safety of Mexican commercial vehicles and drivers operating in the U.S.

FMCSA will continue to take the steps needed to open the border, including hiring inspectors, securing additional vehicle inspection space at the border, and working with U.S. and Mexico-domiciled carriers to educate companies about complying with Federal safety standards once the border is opened, anticipated by mid-year.

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