I think my opinion lies somewhere between Porter’s and Renee’s. I’m not thrilled about it, but just like the Canadian trucks, it’s going to happen. Most arguments the opposition uses can be used to get rid of the Canadian trucks too. Everything from security to the lower paid drivers.
US trucking, in my opinion has so many more pressing problems, from the legal importing of too many drivers using h2b visas that flood the market and drive down rates to US companies running around with unsafe trucks, no insurance and even no authority. Including the ATA, PATT and a host of other groups trying to keep us from working. We could use some more enforcement on our own industry instead of blaming old problems on the new participants.
Some said American truckers weren’t going to be allowed (or want) to drive in Mexico. Well, here you go, someone thinks it’s not such a bad idea -
First U.S. trucker hauls shipment into Mexico
By Gabriela Rico
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 09.15.2007
The cross-border trucking program, which went into effect last week, became reciprocal Friday when a truck belonging to an El Paso-based company crossed into Mexico through Nogales on its way to Ciudad Obregón, Sonora.
Stagecoach Cartage and Distribution became the first U.S. trucker to haul a shipment across the U.S.-Mexico border. The truck crossed at approximately 9 a.m. to deliver a load of plastic resin, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA.
As most of us know in the trucking industry necessity is the mother of invention. If you can’t go through the front door go through the window. Most of the “mega” carriers have owned trucking companies in Mexico for some time now or had working relationships to allow their freight to deliver in Mexico. As to the safety issue ask any truck or trailer manufacturer where they see their growth and most will tell you its in Mexico. Lots, and I do mean LOTS of new equipment is being sold in Mexico. I really don’t have an opinion on this as long as DOT will crack on the mexican carriers in the same levels as American carriers then I say fine just go home after you deliver the load. Next time you drive through a truck stop try and see if you can pick out a “Mexican” truck vs an “American” truck. I’ve seen some pretty raggedy truck owned by American’s as well.
“In 2004, Swift Transportation enhanced our cross-border operation by becoming the first U.S. trucking company to purchase a Mexican carrier. Trans-Mex is a leading provider of transportation services in Mexico and has played a major role in Swift’s continued international success.”
Are Canadian drivers the same as Mexican drivers?
Depends on what you mean by the same? They are allowed to take freight back and forth to Canada, usually they make less than US drivers, maybe not a lot less, but still less. Some French Canadians have varying degrees of being able to speak English. And the northern border is more open and unguarded than the southern border.
Actually, based on my experience when I was leased to Celadon in 2000, Celadon Canada drivers made about a nickel more per mile to offset the increased cost of living up there.
But Mexican drivers will be operating under the same rules as all of us and be subjected to more microscopic examinations than the rest of us.
Can they pass? Damned straight they can. Business is business without regard to the country it is conducted in. The whole thing is the bottom line.
I can’t see Canadian drivers being paid less since there’s a huge shortage of workers in Canada in general. Also, as of last week the Canadian dollar is worth more than the US. Understood about the language barrier.
The PartsPimp
http://partspimp.blogspot.com