Making A Run From The Border
From CNS news, via the Associated Press, just today:
The first Mexican carrier is set to roll into the U.S. interior within days, but American trucking union leaders and two California congressmen aren't giving up on stopping the cross-border trucking program. … Washington on Friday approved the first Mexican trucking company, Transportes Olympic, fulfilling a provision under the North American Free Trade Agreement.
My initial reaction is, …unprintable. Having made more trips to Laredo than I can count in the last 8 years, and having seen the quality of the trucks and the drivers that venture into the free trade zone in the Laredo area, I shudder to think what will happen when these substandard, rattle-trapped, smoke-belching dirt bombs start driving throughout the US. You see, many of our major and medium sized trucking companies sell their old, outdated, and disintegrating trucks to companies south of the border, after which the Mexican companies use them to haul freight back into the border ports.
Then there are the drivers. In Laredo, they pass me on the right, where there is no lane, with their right tires up on the sidewalk. They turn left from the right lane, right from the left lane, make u-turns into on-coming traffic, drive 80,000 pound vehicles as if they were dune buggies, eschew turn signals and brake lights, and run each other off the road entirely. They drive as if they are in a third world country, where the rules are suspended. Unless there is a whole different breed of professional driver in Mexico that is totally different from the non-English speaking, careless, half-dazed rejects that I see in Laredo, …and unless said driver is piloting a totally different kind of truck from what I see in places like Laredo, this is going to be very ugly.
As an added bonus, American truckers will ostensibly now be allowed to take their comparatively expensive and meticulously well-maintained trucks into Mexico, where they will be looked after by the Mexican authorities. And in a related news flash, I'm going on the record right here and now that I for one will do no such thing. Period. Fighting for one's country is one thing, and I'd do it all again in a heartbeat. But putting oneself in that kind of jeopardy to bring a load of widgets south of the border would be sheer lunacy. I hope I'm wrong about all this,..but I fear I'm not.
(Photo from USA Today)
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May '10
Re: Making A Run From The Border
Dave Carter
Unless the quality of trucks and drivers from Mexico is a quantum improvement over what I've seen in the border areas, DOT will need to ramp up their inspection program many times over.
The same political pressure that causes police and regulators to turn a blind eye to illegal immigrants is likely to deter inspections of Mexican vehicles. Expect this to be another issue in which the border states cry to the federal government for permission to address the problem.
Oct '10
Re: Making A Run From The Border
One does not know how this will compare with any experiences of the folks here.
Most of my time is spent in Mexico with driving trips to Austin three to four times a year. Please note all of the travel is on the toll roads, rather nice actually. And fast...
There is a huge amount of truck traffic and suprisingly comprised of well mannered drivers and fairly good rigs. The real interesting events happen between Monterrey and Laredo. The quality of the rigs diminshes almost to what we used to call gypo drivers and such. The number and types of accidents between those points on the map lead one to do some headscratching.
With that as a frame of reference, these drivers and rigs need to be vetted prior admission. This issue is far too serious to be taken lightly. If this continues the news crews will have plenty of air time, if they are allowed.
Jan '11
Re: Making A Run From The Border
LowcountryJoe
Anon
How ironic, and how prescient. In today's world, a technician takes the image and a physician interprets it. But with Obamacare, it may just come down to a technician "interpreting" a medical image, and not in just in India, but right here in the U.S. The archetypal "Good enough for government work." · Oct 23 at 6:21am
Yes, I goofed on that one. Thank you for the subtle slap down. I stand by my theme that free(er)n trade is a good thing, though. · Oct 23 at 8:40am
No slap down intended; for all I know, technicians in India do interpret medial images. It was just an opportunity to use your point in a different way, i.e., the trending in health care provision changing for the worst to accommodate Obama care. I should have made that clearer.
Dec '10
Re: Making A Run From The Border
Jes runnin' over the folks that Americans won't run over.
Sep '10
Re: Making A Run From The Border
"...smoke-belching dirt bombs start driving throughout the US."
Where's an environmentalist when you need one?
I feel your pain, Dave. Living in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metro-mess, I'm not looking forward to these ill-maintained 40 ton rigs barreling down our highways. Gravel truck drivers are bad enough, but at least their trucks are properly functioning.
Aug '10
Re: Making A Run From The Border
Would it be too much for me to assume that any Mexican truck that crosses the border will be required to have to comply with the same registration, licensing, and inspection requirements that state governments require of US trucks?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but a US trucker has to be registered with every state that he drives through, right?
How vigilant are state governments when it comes to inspecting trucks on the road?
I know the Ontario Department of Transportation regularly holds "inspection blitzes" along the busiest freeways around Toronto, and the busiest border crossings, where they impound a fair number of trucks (Canadian as well as American) for failing to meet provincial safety standards.
Are state governments as vigilant? Is the potential number of Mexican trucks simply overwhelming for state inspectors?
If I was a trucker, I'd be pretty upset if a state were to nail me for some safety infraction but was also letting lots of Mexican truckers slip through the cracks.
Oct '10
Re: Making A Run From The Border
Misthiocracy: Would it be too much for me to assume that any Mexican truck that crosses the border will be required to have to comply with the same registration, licensing, and inspection requirements that state governments require of US trucks?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but a US trucker has to be registered with every state that he drives through, right?
How vigilant are state governments when it comes to inspecting trucks on the road?
I know the Ontario Department of Transportation regularly holds "inspection blitzes" along the busiest freeways around Toronto, and the busiest border crossings, where they impound a fair number of trucks (Canadian as well as American) for failing to meet provincial safety standards.
Are state governments as vigilant? Is the potential number of Mexican trucks simply overwhelming for state inspectors?
If I was a trucker, I'd be pretty upset if a state were to nail me for some safety infraction but was also letting lots of Mexican truckers slip through the cracks. · Oct 23 at 6:59pm
That blue color in your face when looking in the mirror, is well, you know. Fairness and such does not apply in this area.
Aug '10
Re: Making A Run From The Border
wilber forge: Most of my time is spent in Mexico with driving trips to Austin three to four times a year. Please note all of the travel is on the toll roads, rather nice actually. And fast...
There is a huge amount of truck traffic and suprisingly comprised of well mannered drivers and fairly good rigs. The real interesting events happen between Monterrey and Laredo. The quality of the rigs diminshes almost to what we used to call gypo drivers and such. The number and types of accidents between those points on the map lead one to do some headscratching.
So, just to clarify, you're saying that most of the truck traffic in the Mexican interior appears to be pretty safe and well-maintained, but closer to the border the safety standards drop?
I find that interesting. When it comes to regulation of business, Mexico is ranked 62 out of 141 in the Fraser Institute's Economic Freedom of the World Report. With such a high level of regulation, one could be forgiven for assuming they might over-regulate truck safety.
Maybe the government of Mexico is vigilant about enforcing transport safety standards within the interior of the country, where the population is wealthier and maybe vote in greater numbers, but totally lax when it comes to enforcement near the border.
Makes you wonder what other sorts of laws and regs they choose to enforce in the interior but not enforce near the border...
Edited on October 24, 2011 at 4:14amRe: Making A Run From The Border
Misthiocracy: "Would it be too much for me to assume that any Mexican truck that crosses the border will be required to have to comply with the same registration, licensing, and inspection requirements that state governments require of US trucks?" -- Logically, such an assumption would be rational. Logically, federal enforcement of federal law regarding border sovereignty would be rational too.
"[A] US trucker has to be registered with every state that he drives through, right?" -- Right
"I know the Ontario Department of Transportation regularly holds "inspection blitzes" along the busiest freeways..." Happens here too, nation wide, regularly.
"Are state governments as vigilant? Is the potential number of Mexican trucks simply overwhelming for state inspectors?" Yes, and ...quite possibly, yes. If the number of trucks is overwhelming, look to the states to petition the feds for help, and look how the feds have helped states regarding border enforcement
"If I was a trucker, I'd be pretty upset if a state were to nail me for some safety infraction but was also letting lots of Mexican truckers slip through the cracks." -- A public spotlight on such incidents might be helpful.
Sep '11
Re: Making A Run From The Border
Dave, I think you might be overreacting.
The major companies in Mexico are very well off, and it would make more business sense to have well running trucks that won't break down.
Most of the trucks in Laredo proper are transfer junkers, and the drivers are paid by the load so they get back and forth as fast as they can.
The trucking companies want to make money, not have to spend it on repairs and bail for their drivers.
I also think the same DPS officer that follows you outside Dilley will get them too.
Edited on October 24, 2011 at 5:29amOct '10
Re: Making A Run From The Border
RE, Misthiocracy.
As it appears in the interior of Mexico, trucking regulations are enforced similar to what you might see in the states. There are random and mobile inspection stations along major routes. Not to mention the Federales, which actually keep a keen eye on trucking. Even the locals dealing in construction, deliveries and such keep the vehicles up to spec. Speaks to tools of the trade and some pride.
From the observations to date, from the major centers of commerce closer to the border, the freelance element of trucking is clearly evident.
Not bo be too dark and warped about this, the last 100 km. prior to Nuevo Laredo has a Darwinian element to it as far as truckers go. Thats just plain real and has visuals that stick.
With all the obvious concerns about safety, there are legions of inspectors on the U.S. side. At last count, there were some 8k big rigs a day crossing the border.
To be honest, one cannot see too many free passes handed out to by the border inspection folks on either side.
Re: Making A Run From The Border
BradnSA: Dave, I think you might be overreacting.
The major companies in Mexico are very well off, and it would make more business sense to have well running trucks that won't break down.
Most of the trucks in Laredo proper are transfer junkers, and the drivers are paid by the load so they get back and forth as fast as they can.
The trucking companies want to make money, not have to spend it on repairs and bail for their drivers.
I also think the same DPS officer that follows you outside Dilley will get them too. · Oct 23 at 8:27pm
Edited on Oct 23 at 08:29 pm
I hope you're right, Brad. Granted, my experience in border areas might be contributing to a bit of tunnel vision on my part. I certainly hope so, at any rate. Thanks for the larger perspective.
Oct '10
Re: Making A Run From The Border
BradnSA: Dave, I think you might be overreacting.
The major companies in Mexico are very well off, and it would make more business sense to have well running trucks that won't break down.
Most of the trucks in Laredo proper are transfer junkers, and the drivers are paid by the load so they get back and forth as fast as they can.
The trucking companies want to make money, not have to spend it on repairs and bail for their drivers.
I also think the same DPS officer that follows you outside Dilley will get them too. · Oct 23 at 8:27pm
Edited on Oct 23 at 08:29 pm
Now in this one finds some real definition. The Troopers between Laredo and San Antonio are very attentive law enforement. Not much escapes these commendable folk.
Sep '11
Re: Making A Run From The Border
Dave Carter
BradnSA: Dave, I think you might be overreacting.
The major companies in Mexico are very well off, and it would make more business sense to have well running trucks that won't break down.
Most of the trucks in Laredo proper are transfer junkers, and the drivers are paid by the load so they get back and forth as fast as they can.
The trucking companies want to make money, not have to spend it on repairs and bail for their drivers.
I also think the same DPS officer that follows you outside Dilley will get them too. · Oct 23 at 8:27pm
Edited on Oct 23 at 08:29 pm
I hope you're right, Brad. Granted, my experience in border areas might be contributing to a bit of tunnel vision on my part. I certainly hope so, at any rate. Thanks for the larger perspective. · Oct 23 at 8:36pm
lol, engineer for Union Pacific running between San Antonio and Laredo on and off the the last 15 years.
Watch out for the sand trucks. We've hit exponentially more oilfield trucks than Mexicans since fracking started.
Oct '10
Re: Making A Run From The Border
RE. Dave Carter.
You are just speaking to some common sense. Would like to think there is some assurance in trucking safety in the exchange here. Time will tell if there is some honor with truckers in the overall.
Re: Making A Run From The Border
lol, engineer for Union Pacific running between San Antonio and Laredo on and off the the last 15 years.
Watch out for the sand trucks. We've hit exponentially more oilfield trucks than Mexicans since fracking started. · Oct 23 at 8:52pm
I'll be on the lookout. If I remember correctly, you guys really hammer down on that stretch too.
Oct '10
Re: Making A Run From The Border
RE. BradnSA.
Now that is a LOL moment. One does enjoy the more free style of Texas driving.
Save some of the belly dumps that pass me when I am doing 90 on the I35 South.
Thats a lot of tonnage to go that fast, even empty. Determined to make a buck they are.
Sep '11
Re: Making A Run From The Border
wilber forge: RE. BradnSA.
Now that is a LOL moment. One does enjoy the more free style of Texas driving.
Save some of the belly dumps that pass me when I am doing 90 on the I35 South.
Thats a lot of tonnage to go that fast, even empty. Determined to make a buck they are. · Oct 23 at 9:08pm
When I retire, I want to be one of the gate watchers the railroad made the drillers hire so they could use the crossings over the tracks.
Dish, internet and books while you just check people in.
Oct '10
Re: Making A Run From The Border
BradnSA
wilber forge: RE. BradnSA.
Now that is a LOL moment. One does enjoy the more free style of Texas driving.
Save some of the belly dumps that pass me when I am doing 90 on the I35 South.
Thats a lot of tonnage to go that fast, even empty. Determined to make a buck they are. · Oct 23 at 9:08pm
When I retire, I want to be one of the gate watchers the railroad made the drillers hire so they could use the crossings over the tracks.
Dish, internet and books while you just check people in. · Oct 23 at 9:18pm
Worthy goal, a little passive with all due respect.