Last week - on January 9, 2015 - the U.S. Department of Transportation announced that commercial carriers based in Mexico will soon be able to conduct long-haul, cross-border trucking services in America. The move, which follows a successful three-year pilot program - is expected to expand trade between the U.S. and Mexico.

According to officials from the U.S. DOT, the policy change was widely supported after the successful conclusion of a three-year pilot program designed to test the safety of Mexican trucking companies in the U.S.

• The program involved 15 Mexican trucking companies that operated cross-border, long-haul trucking.
• During the program, the companies crossed the U.S. - Mexico border more than 28,000 times and traveled more than 1.5 million miles on American roadways.
• Drivers, vehicles and companies underwent more than 5,500 safety inspections by American officials, including those from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
• Officials also reviewed data from 952 Mexican-owned commercial carriers that operated long-haul in America during the three year pilot program under a different program.

Officials and safety experts have supported the pilot program and analysis for its thoroughness and for its focus on ensuring the safety of motorists who travel U.S. roads and highways. With the program's successful conclusion, Mexican-imposed tariffs on U.S. goods will be terminated. Mexican carriers and drivers will be required to apply for long-haul operating authority and must comply with all laws and regulations, including border and random roadside inspections.

The U.S. Department of Transportation and other federal agencies like the FMCSA go through great lengths to ensure that trucking companies operate safely and ensure the safety of their drivers and vehicles. Like any other trucking company in America, Mexican carriers will also be expected to take all reasonable measures possible to keep our roadways safe.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Austin or anywhere throughout the state of Texas, contact The Daspit Law Firm to learn more about your legal rights and how our firm can help you recover the compensation you deserve.