Chamber Applauds Move Toward Cross-Border Trucking with Mexico

WASHINGTON, DC-The U.S. Chamber of Commerce praised Transportation Secretary Mary Peters' announcement of a pilot project allowing trucks to operate across the U.S.-Mexico border, calling it an important step to enhance competitiveness, reduce pollution, and promote economic growth.

"Implementing the cross-border trucking provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is long overdue," said John Murphy, Chamber vice president of international affairs. "This pilot project is a welcome step toward reducing congestion and air pollution at the U.S.-Mexico border while promoting economic growth and jobs."

The cross-border trucking system is archaic and convoluted, according to the Chamber. A shipment traveling between the two countries requires at least three trucks and three drivers-a U.S. carrier, a Mexican carrier, and a middleman between the two.

"The United States promised under NAFTA to open its border to Mexican trucks-with full reciprocity for U.S. carriers-and it's time we kept our word," said Murphy. "We have no credibility calling on other countries to meet their obligations under trade agreements if we refuse to keep our own."

Under NAFTA, trade with Mexico has nearly quadrupled-from $81 billion in 1993 to $332 billion in 2006-according to the Chamber. Trucking is vital to this trade partnership because it moves more than 80% of the value of U.S. trade with Mexico.

"Questions about safety have been fully answered," added Murphy. "Every truck entering the U.S. must meet every U.S. safety requirement."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

www.uschamber.com

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