OIG: steps still to be taken on Mexico program; FMCSA: we are addressing concerns

The FMCSA says it is looking forward to launching the new program within the next 30 to 60 days.

The Trucker Staff

9/8/2011

WASHINGTON — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has generally complied with statutory requirements to implement the proposed Cross Border Trucking Pilot Program, but more action is still needed before the program can begin, the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General has told FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro.

 “We found that FMCSA has not identified the specific process it will use to comply with five requirements for conducting 50 percent of the pre-authority safety audits (PASA) and compliance reviews onsite in Mexico.  FMCSA plans to abide by the law, but has not finalized where it will conduct the reviews,” the OIG’s office said. “We also found that FMCSA has not yet addressed certain issues for implementing the pilot program. Specifically, FMCSA has not (1) issued site–specific plans for checking drivers and trucks at the border, (2) established a system to verify driver and truck eligibility for the pilot program, (3) issued an implementation plan nor acquired electronic monitoring devices for use in the pilot program and (4) conducted pilot program training for inspection personnel at the border and within the United States.”

“The FMCSA appreciates the Office of the Inspector General’s review of the long haul, cross-border trucking program between the United States and Mexico.  The OIG’s recommendations line up well with the work that FMCSA has already undertaken on the implementation of policies, procedures and training necessary for the program,” spokesperson Candice Tolliver Burns said. "FMCSA, for example, is conducting 50 percent of the PASAs and full compliance reviews on participating Mexican trucking companies in Mexico.  Additionally, FMCSA’s enhanced Query Central System gives state law enforcement access to data on Mexican drivers and vehicles authorized to operate within the United States. Further, FMCSA will be ready to install electronic monitoring devices on all participating Mexican vehicles to ensure full driver compliance with federal hours-of-service rules.  This equipment will be used to identify participating vehicles before they cross the border and as they travel in the United States. Consistent with the OIG’s recommendations, FMCSA looks forward to launching a new cross-border trucking program within the next 30 to 60 days that puts safety first.”

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is required by law to submit a report to Congress detailing the actions the FMCSA will take to address each of the issues.

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