Two prominent trucking groups are requesting that the government accelerate the adoption of new trade laws in order to “protect the industry” from Mexico-based carriers “not held to the same standards,” reports Fox Business.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and the Teamsters sent a joint request to the U.S. International Trade Commission earlier this week, encouraging and supporting the accelerated adoption of rules implementing the U.S. Mexico Canada Trade Agreement, approved earlier this year, as a way to protect jobs and the safety of citizens.
“Because Mexico-based trucking companies and drivers are not held to the same, rigorous U.S. safety and security regulations, they are endangering the American public and taking away jobs and profits from American drivers and carriers,” OOIDA President Todd Spencer said in a statement, adding that Mexico-based operators were also a threat to the safety of the American driving public.
The Teamsters and OOIDA are requesting that all carriers are investigated to ensure compliance with U.S. motor carrier safety laws and regulations.
The new trade agreement, sometimes referred to as NAFTA 2.0, includes major policy changes on enforceable labor rights and regulations on industries in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.