Aug 5, 2008 11:37 AM

John H. Hill

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is extending the cross-border trucking demonstration project for two years, and Mexican trucks will continue to participate.

"We intend this extension to reassure trucking companies that they will have sufficient time to realize a return on their investment, and we anticipate additional participation with this extra time," said FMCSA administrator John H. Hill. "The extension will ensure that the demonstration project can be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of a more comprehensive body of data."

To date, the project has shown that United States and Mexican carriers can engage in cross-border trucking operations "in compliance with applicable laws, and with no compromise to public safety or security," he said. "In fact, Mexican trucks and drivers have established compliance rates equal or better to those of U.S. trucks and drivers."

Some 75% of trade with Mexico moves by truck.

"At a time of surging goods exports, we could hardly choose a worse time to turn our back on open trade and investment and embrace a protectionist agenda, especially in the very sector that makes trade in goods and services possible," Hill said.

In 2007, Congress mandated that the demonstration project be operated as a pilot program, which is governed by statute and can run for up to three years.