January 10, 2002

(Washington, DC) – The U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) now confirms what the Teamsters have been saying for months, Mexican truck safety isn't up to U.S. standards. The study was requested by Democratic members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

"The Teamsters have consistently said that the problem with Mexican cross-border trucking is two-fold," said James P. Hoffa, Teamsters General President. "First, that the U.S. lacked the sufficient inspection resources at the border to ensure the safety of the American traveling public. Second, that Mexico lacks adequate standards and enforcement to ensure the safety of their own trucking system.  This report clearly shows why the Murray-Shelby safety provisions in the DOT appropriation bill were needed."

The GAO reports that, "though some progress has made, there is continued uncertainty about the extent to which Mexican commercial trucks meet U.S. safety standards." The report's findings include:

• The DOT does not have an operational plan to ensure the safety of Mexican trucks;

• There are no permanent inspection facilities at 23 of 25 Southwest border crossings;

• Mexico's commercial driver's license database covers less than one-quarter of their estimated 300,000 commercial drivers. 

The GAO concluded the report by recommending that the DOT develop and implement a coordinated operational safety plan at the Southwest border.

"While the GAO report is troubling, the Teamsters are proud to have fought for a DOT appropriation bill that keeps the border closed until safety can be assured," Hoffa added. "The U.S. will ensure safety on our side of the border, perhaps it is time that Mexico follow suit."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States and Canada.