Mexican demo project back on track

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced in the August 17 Federal Register that it will go forward with a project to demonstrate the ability of Mexican motor carriers to operate safely in the U.S. beyond the 25-mile commercial zone along the U.S.-Mexico border. “Once the U.S. Department of Transportation's Inspector General completes his report to Congress … and [we] complete any follow-up actions needed to address any issues that may be raised in the report, FMCSA will proceed with the demonstration project,” the agency said in its filing.

Responding to critics, FMCSA pointed out that only 100 Mexican carriers would take part, and since most already have authority to operate in the commercial zones, their participation in the demonstration project would not result in a significant increase in the population of Mexico-domiciled carriers operating in the U.S.