House Votes to terminate Mexican Cross Border Pilot Program
Posted on Sep 09, 2008 - 9:14pm by Porter Corn in NAFTA, Politics, Trucking
Mexican Kenworth T660 on the free road between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey is typical of Mexican line haul trucks in operation on Mexican highways today. Gone or the days of what could be perceived as
The days after the one year mark of the Mexican Cross Border Program, and exactly one year to the day that the first truck crossed the border to inaugerate the program, the House of Representatives, by a vote of 395-18 voted to end the controversial Mexican Cross Border Program.
For one year, these 100 trucks have operated safely with ZERO accidents and ZERO serious safety issues further reinforcing the statistics that show Mexican carriers have a lower OOS rate than their counterparts. The past year proved that Mexican carriers can operate under our laws and regulations, do so safely and with no impact on American trucking jobs or economics.
But this is not enough to satisfy those such as Jimmy Hoffa, President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Despite evidence to the contrary, he still cannot utter the words, “Mexican Trucks” without putting “dangerous”, “unsafe” or “illegal” as a preface.
So Hoffa and his protectionists allies in Congress have won a battle but the war still rages. There is a continuing groundswell of support from mainstream media outlets, and business groups such as National Association of Manufacturers who quit out of character for them, came out and told it like others are afraid to do. Treaties? Trade Agreements? We’ll Violate Them with Impunity Tough talk but brutally honest.
The US Chamber of Commerce issued a “key vote” letter to lawmakers urging them to reject the bill. A “key vote’ letter is indicative of the seriousness of the issue and shows intent to place the members votes on a voters scorecard.
Retaliation Expected
As I am writing this, the a statement was released by the Mexican Embassy in Washington.
“Mexico has fulfilled its NAFTA obligations and expects the U.S. do the same. Should the bill be enacted into law, the government of Mexico will consider taking all the appropriate actions, including remedies or countermeasures under the North American Free Trade Agreement,” the embassy statement said.
As well they should and they have every right to do so.
Sadly, this demonstrates not the “will of the people” of is suppose to be the reason Congress exists, but the “will of special interests”.
Over the past year, I’ve had conversations in truck stops, over the CB radio, will American truckers. Most could care less about the Mexican trucks. The overwhelming opinion is if they play by the rules, they don’t have a problem.
I’ve run with other truckers on the highway and passing one of these Pilot Program participants, asking my running buddies what they thought about that “dangerous Mexican truck” we had just passed. They could not tell the Mexican truck from any others.
The truth is, this program has not effected any one of us in this industry nor in this country. Nor can it. The numbers just don’t add up.
More of my thoughts on my website where I can be my usual lovable, logical self.
And after a long dry spell, I have returned!
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Let’s not stop there. Get the rest of the jobs that went to Mexico back! Take back America ! This was a bad idea in the beginning Seems like we give and give without getting anything in return. Comparing 100 trucks for one year over 10,000,000 US trucks is propaganda! you better check that safety record alittle closer too. US forever NAFTA NEVER
I wondered how long it would take the protectionists to begin commenting. But one thing confuses me. “Take America Back”? Back from whom? America has never left the control of it’s citizens.
You know, you and others would probably sleep better at night if you quit worrying about something that has no direct affect on your lives. I presume you are employed, so no one has taken that from you, and certainly not NAFTA.
Do you buy into the crap that the abandoned factories in the rust belt of Ohio and Michigan are in that condition because of NAFTA? If you do, then you would be largely wrong about that.
More jobs in the upper midwest have been lost to technology than to NAFTA. Even more jobs in the same area have been lost due to the companies moving south, to States like Texas which have a business friendly atmosphere, excellent tax rate and tax abatements for businesses who relocate here. The South is attractive because of Right to Work laws.
NAFTA Never? Think again and while you are thinking, with an open mind I hope, read this excellent article by our colleague Everitt Mickey, WE MUST REPEAL NAFTA That might open your eyes.
The jobs NAFTA has sent to Mexico are semi to unskilled jobs. And those finding themselves unemployed as a result of a NAFTA inspired move, were offered enhanced and extended unemployment benefits as well as retraining opportunities. Some took the retraining while others decided to sit back on their butts and whine about those “damned Mexicans” and anything else they could blame their lack of ambition on.
Union demands sent jobs south into Texas, Alabama,Mississippi, Georgia and other “business friendly” states.
Remember the 2 days strike against GM by the UAW last year? As I recall, workers upset because they were being asked to forgo raises or being asked to contribute a little to their health care plans. This is a NEWS PHOTO taken on the UAW picket line that never saw the light of day in US newspapers but was widely circulated in the newspapers in Mexico. Take a good look at this fool walking the picket line, whose wage and benefit package equals about $78.00 per hour, and he refuses to give an inch.
They got what they demanded more or less and do you remember what happened next? GM announced plant shutdowns, relocation of manufacturing lines and posted a $78 billion dollar loss last year. The largest in corporate history, as I recall at the time. And what is GM doing now? Lobbying Congress to approve a $25 million dollar bailout. At taxpayer expense! NAFTA didn’t cause that now did it!
The jobs are gone buddy. Never to return. Obama, McCain, Jimmy Hoffa with his protectionist and obstructionist attitude towards our fulfilling something we agreed to, will not bring them back.
But this was an article about the Mexican trucks. There is absolutely nothing wrong with my figures and you can arrive at the same conclusion if you look it up yourself.
And I would also have to disagree with you about your analogy of 100 Mexican trucks to 10,000,000 American trucks. It is a perfect comparison considering that the US has 11,000,000 CDL holders compared to Mexico’s 250,000 commercially licensed drivers.
And in addition, Mexico, with twice the number of trucks participating in the program has made half the number of trips beyond the zone as the American trucks have into Mexico. That would indicate to me that we are receiving benefits of the program at twice the rate of Mexico.
Porter, I respect any man, no matter their nationality, who tries to make a living driving a truck. I’m not as astute as you when it comes to the facts and figures vis a via the cross border program and NAFTA. What I do know is that just about anything “Mexican” right now is negative in the mind of the average American. Illegal immigration, drugs, job loss, crime and the black plague (that’s a joke) are what “we” associate with Mexico. It’s one big public relations mess. Flavor in the reality of a lame Congress and a misguided President and the “whole package” of international relations is in the toilet. The cross-border program with Mexico will occur, just not now. The time may be right for Mexico, but not the US. Great report and keep up the great work.
Nop Grumpy, not the Black Plague, but the Leprosy epidemic that is sweeping this country, according to Lou Dobbs.
Seriously, thanks for the vote of confidence Grumpy. There is nothing astute about my knowledge. When I tackle an issue, or hear something that leaves a bad taste in my mouth, I research the issue to get at the truth. If it don’t make sense, or defies all logic, then something ain’t right.
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again here. I could care less whether Mexican trucks are allowed to operate in this country or not. It does not affect me either way.
What I do care about though, are those such Hoffa and Spencer, who not having any facts on their side, resort to lies, innuendo and misstated facts to get their point across.
If you take a moment to look at it, every accusation and claim made by these two has been proven incorrect. did it in the same manner anyone else can. But you have to want to know the truth and have a mind that can think for itself without outside influences
But thanks again for you comment and support
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