U.S. to continue to deny access to Mexican trucks

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 10, 2000) — Lingering safety concerns mean Mexican trucks will not be allowed to cross the border into the United States any time soon, according to a White House official.

“The Dept. of Transportation has said it will not let Mexican trucks cross the border and enter the United States unless it is sure Mexican carriers are in compliance with American safety regulations,” White House spokesman Jim Kennedy told the Associated Press.

Discussions continue between the two governments, and there is a possibility of convening an arbitration panel to review the issue, he said.

The North American Free Trade Agreement was to give Mexico-based trucks access to the United States beginning in 1995. The new date for compliance was Jan. 1, 2000. But Kennedy said many Mexican trucks still do not meet U.S. safety standards.

Mexico has said the delays violate NAFTA. The United States has pressed Mexico for more aggressive truck inspections before the vehicles cross the border.