Should Trucks From Mexico Be Allowed To Cross The Border?
Since September 2007, hauling trucks from Mexico have been allowed to enter the Unites States territory. And the US truck operators have just cried out against this move since the beginning. According to them this will only lower the level of income they will be getting since truck operators from Mexico would likely be willing to accept lower fees for their services. On the part of the US truck operators, this is a valid point they are making. However, other things also have to be considered.

So what are the other arguments against the entry of these trucks from Mexico? One of the strong reasons why many are against the entry of trucks from Mexico is for security reasons. No restrictions were placed on what products these trucks can carry. Because of this, it is the fear of many that the trucks may be used for unscrupulous purposes. For one, they may be used for drug trafficking or drug smuggling. Drugs could be brought from Mexico to the United States. And then with the threat of terrorism, it is not just safe to be allowing trucks carrying hazardous materials to the country. Such materials can also be smuggled into the country for perpetrating terrorism later on. They just don't want to expose the country to such risk again.

Then there's the issue about literacy. Drivers would have to be able to at least read, write and speak enough English. They should know how to read the road signs so they will know where to go. They need to have enough English speaking abilities to be able to communicate with enforcers and other authorities. And they also need to be able to write English so they will be able to fill out forms and other paperwork properly.

But here are the answers to these arguments. First, the US truck operators should not worry that trucker operators from Mexico will crowd the industry since the number of trucks that will be allowed entrance will be limited. Drivers don't have to worry either because there is actually a shortage of truck drivers in the US. Because of the new law regarding the hours of service, more trucks are needed in order to be able to service the whole demand for trucks.

With regards to the safety of the roads and of the country, qualification of the drivers will be scrutinized carefully. There will also be inspections before the trucks will actually be let in. With inspectors and US authorities there, trucks may be denied entrance. Right there and then, qualifications may also be reviewed. And to check that licensing requisites are met, an electronic monitoring system is also there. And with the electronic system of the US, the government is confident that credentials cannot easily be faked. Aside from that, inspection of the trucks by their independent carriers every 90 days is also mandated. This way the quality of the trucks and of their services will also be maintained. And on the part of the trucks from the US, they will be able to go in and out of Mexico too. This will give them a chance to transport more goods and generate the US economy millions of dollars as a result. So as you can see, there are actually both good and bad sides of this move. Depending on which sector you belong to and depending on your own political and personal belief you may argue for either side of the coin.