TranceAddict Forums (www.tranceaddict.com/forums)
- Political Discussion / Debate
-- Mexican Trucks to have access on US Roadways by this Weekend? WTF!
Pages (2): [1] 2 »

Mexican Trucks to have access on US Roadways by this Weekend? WTF!

Source: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl...ss/5094248.html

quote:

WASHINGTON � The Teamsters Union and three public-interest groups asked a federal court Wednesday to block the Bush administration from opening U.S. roadways to Mexican trucks as early as this weekend. The request to the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in San Francisco for an emergency injunction marks the latest effort in a 13-year battle by the Teamsters to stymie cross-border trucking provisions ratified under the North American Free Trade Agreement. The union has long argued the introduction of Mexican trucks would compromise highway safety and cost U.S. jobs. "What a slap in the face to American workers � opening the highways to dangerous trucks on Labor Day weekend, one of the busiest driving weekends of the year," Teamsters General President James Hoffa said. In their court filing, the Teamsters, Sierra Club, Public Citizen and Environmental Law Foundation argue the administration is poised to launch its one-year pilot program before having met all of the requirements imposed by Congress. Hector Marquez, head of the Mexican Economic Ministry's Trade and NAFTA Office in Washington, deplored the legal challenge. "It's very unfortunate because certainly the governments of Mexico and the United States have put forth a tremendous effort to put in place all the requirements, all the mechanisms, all the personnel and the resources to make this work and to guarantee the security and safety," Marquez said. The Transportation Department's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration dismissed the lawsuit as "without merit." The department this year indicated it would launch a one-year test allowing up to 1,000 Mexican trucks full access to U.S. roadways, beyond the 25-mile buffer zone to which Mexican carriers have been confined since 1982. The pilot's launch awaits certification from the Transportation Department's inspector general that the government has sufficient inspectors and inspection facilities to ensure that Mexican trucks meet U.S safety requirements. A Teamsters spokeswoman, Leslie Miller, said union lawyers were advised by Transportation Department attorneys that the inspector general's certification would be provided Friday, allowing the program to proceed the next day. A Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration spokeswoman said the timeline would be dictated by the inspector general's certification. Seeing improvement In an audit report earlier this month, the inspector general reported a number of unresolved hurdles � but also cited "continual improvement" in the transportation agency's border safety program. But Rep. Nick Lampson, D-Stafford, and others in Congress said they remain concerned. "I would hope that President Bush would reconsider what he's doing," said Lampson, who serves on the House Transportation Committee. "We need to place the safety of Texans as high as we possibly can place this, and doing this, I think, takes some chances." Lampson also argued that national security could be affected if the government doesn't inspect all incoming cargo. With the House having voted overwhelmingly last May to curb the scope of the trucking pilot program, the Teamsters say they will seek additional congressional action if the 9th Circuit doesn't grant the emergency injunction. The inspector general's audit could give fodder to critics on Capitol Hill. Investigators noted problems with the database used to check Mexican drivers' records for traffic convictions in the United States � largely because Texas and New Mexico didn't properly report driver convictions to the federal 52nd State System that tracks Mexican drivers. The audit noted that Texas stopped sharing conviction information with the database in 2006 � an oversight federal officials didn't notice until the inspector general brought it to their attention. New Mexico's data wasn't entered because of incorrect coding, the audit found. Since then, almost half of the Texas backlog of 40,000 Mexican driver convictions has been cleared, the report said. Companies cool to idea Even as haggling continues over the cross-border trucking program, some Mexican trucking company officials say it's the politicians � not they � who are interested in opening the border. "We don't want to go to the United States, and the Americans don't want to go to Mexico," said Rolando Ortega, a delegate from the Matamoros, Mexico, chapter of the National Confederation of Mexican Carriers, which has 280,000 members. "It doesn't reflect the reality of the transportation industry." Mexican trucking companies that deliver to the U.S. border zone already are struggling with rising insurance rates, longer lines to cross into the U.S. and a lack of credit to buy trucks, said Ortega, who owns 18 trucks. Only large carriers will haul cargo from Houston to Hidalgo or Memphis to Monterrey, some Mexican trucking company executives say. "The only companies that want to do that are the trans- national companies and the companies that move their own cargo," said Oscar Garza, a delegate for the Reynosa chapter of the confederation of Mexican carriers. Many Mexican truckers cannot read signs in English, are unfamiliar with the U.S. highway system and don't know how to find cargo in the U.S. for their return trip to Mexico, said Garza, who once owned 35 trucks and now only has one because of decreased profitability.

I can not believe this. So in another bold move, President Bush further threatens the sovereignty of our nation by opening up our borders to Mexican truck drivers. If this really does go through, not only will he hurt trucking businesses in the US, but he will also put me and everyone I know and care about in further danger on the roads. I can not believe this fucking prick. How dare you put our own personal safety aside just so your corporate friends can profit even more? I can not wait for this globalist prick to leave office in 2008.

Re: Mexican Trucks to have access on US Roadways by this Weekend? WTF!

quote:

Originally posted by Zharen Source: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl...ss/5094248.html I can not believe this. So in another bold move, President Bush further threatens the sovereignty of our nation by opening up our borders to Mexican truck drivers. If this really does go through, not only will he hurt trucking businesses in the US, but he will also put me and everyone I know and care about in further danger on the roads. I can not believe this fucking prick. How dare you put our own personal safety aside just so your corporate friends can profit even more? I can not wait for this globalist prick to leave office in 2008.

even though I believe that all 3 contries , MEX, CAN and US should become bigger and better partners in trade .... this crap is pissing me off... and to snub the American Worker on Labor Day?? WTF

canadian trucks operate in teh US every day and vice versa..... I think the US has just become too accustomed to being the only country that benefits from NAFTA..... its about time they play fair. if the mexican operators meet teh required safety and environmental regulations i see no reason why they should not be allowed to opperate in the US. They should be able to obtain their US DOT numbers just like any other carrier.

quote:

Originally posted by colonelcrisp canadian trucks operate in teh US every day and vice versa..... I think the US has just become too accustomed to being the only country that benefits from NAFTA..... its about time they play fair. if the mexican operators meet teh required safety and environmental regulations i see no reason why they should not be allowed to opperate in the US. They should be able to obtain their US DOT numbers just like any other carrier.

I predict that very few Mexican carriers will actually run freight into the US and vice versa. None of the US or Canadian insurers will write insurance in Mexico and I imagine few of the Mexican insurers could cover the exposures in the US. This would end up necessitating the carriage of two liability policies for every truck that crossed the boarder - which creates difficulty in obtaining a DOT number, drastically increased costs to insure, and increased fileing obligations/costs. Moreover, unless one is running freight a great distance into the US and has secured return loads it would continue to be more cost effective to cross-dock at custom houses and transfer the freight from the Mexican to US carrier. In essence, running across the US-Mexican boarder is simply too much hassle for minimal if any profit. Someone in the article stated only the multi-nationals hauling there own freieght would be interested in this... he's likely correct.

It's funny how the US, main proponent of market economies and free trade, always puts increased resistance to other people taking advantage of free trade. Every time there is a free trade agreement every one of those greedy special interest lobby groups in Washington try to make sure the only people that benefit are US businesses.

Re: Mexican Trucks to have access on US Roadways by this Weekend? WTF!

quote:

Originally posted by Zharen Source: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl...ss/5094248.html I can not believe this. So in another bold move, President Bush further threatens the sovereignty of our nation by opening up our borders to Mexican truck drivers. If this really does go through, not only will he hurt trucking businesses in the US, but he will also put me and everyone I know and care about in further danger on the roads. I can not believe this fucking prick. How dare you put our own personal safety aside just so your corporate friends can profit even more? I can not wait for this globalist prick to leave office in 2008.

Wow, that seems a bit racist.

Are you trying to insinuate that white anglo-saxon americans drive better than mexican truckers? Doubtful. Truckers always have more stringent rules to follow than general motorists.

Seriously, the way you said this was quite feckered up.

So what's your stance on Canadian drivers then Zharen?

Do you really think that the Mexican drivers wouldn't follow the same laws and regulations as us when we go to the States...

quote:

Originally posted by Fir3start3r So what's your stance on Canadian drivers then Zharen?

sorry for speaking out of turn, but..

don't you people drive on the wrong side of the road?

quote:

Originally posted by ResonantDrag sorry for speaking out of turn, but.. don't you people drive on the wrong side of the road?

Nah. Just when the canadian truck drivers get here & see the speed limit signs, they will be driving way too slow.

Re: Re: Mexican Trucks to have access on US Roadways by this Weekend? WTF!

quote:

Originally posted by DJ Shibby Wow, that seems a bit racist. Are you trying to insinuate that white anglo-saxon americans drive better than mexican truckers? Doubtful. Truckers always have more stringent rules to follow than general motorists. Seriously, the way you said this was quite feckered up.

It would seem racist if white anglo-saxons were illegally entering and working in Mexico. I don't think driving skills are what's under question here .

Re: Re: Re: Mexican Trucks to have access on US Roadways by this Weekend? WTF!

quote:

Originally posted by shaolin_Z It would seem racist if white anglo-saxons were illegally entering and working in Mexico. I don't think driving skills are what's under question here .

Yeah, suuuuuuuuuuure man.

All of a sudden, now that our houses are built and all the filthy jobs are filled, we suddenly have a reason to expel them for sociopolitical reasons.

It's the new generation of racism, inspired by the same old nationalistic bullshit.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Mexican Trucks to have access on US Roadways by this Weekend? WTF!

quote:

Originally posted by DJ Shibby Yeah, suuuuuuuuuuure man. All of a sudden, now that our houses are built and all the filthy jobs are filled, we suddenly have a reason to expel them for sociopolitical reasons. It's the new generation of racism, inspired by the same old nationalistic bullshit.

I never said I subsribed to that philosophy. I'm just elaborating on what others believe. Me, to be honest, I don't really give a shit when it comes to that issue, or at the very least I'm sitting on the fence. The way I see it (a very oversimplified veiw here), [mestiso] hispanics have more of a claim to the conquered continent [some] of their ancestors had lived on for hundereds of years.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Mexican Trucks to have access on US Roadways by this Weekend? WT

quote:

Originally posted by shaolin_Z I never said I subsribed to that philosophy. I'm just elaborating on what others believe. Me, to be honest, I don't really give a shit when it comes to that issue, or at the very least I'm sitting on the fence. The way I see it (a very oversimplified veiw here), [mestiso] hispanics have more of a claim to the conquered continent [some] of their ancestors had lived on for hundereds of years.

La Raza!!!!

for me its not a US vs them.... its more of what is this going to do to the small business trucking companies on this side of the border??
They could be from MARS and all I care about is the small guy who runs his own trucking biz....

Re: Mexican Trucks to have access on US Roadways by this Weekend? WTF!

quote:

Originally posted by Zharen I can not believe this. So in another bold move, President Bush further threatens the sovereignty of our nation by opening up our borders to Mexican truck drivers. If this really does go through, not only will he hurt trucking businesses in the US, but he will also put me and everyone I know and care about in further danger on the roads. I can not believe this fucking prick. How dare you put our own personal safety aside just so your corporate friends can profit even more? I can not wait for this globalist prick to leave office in 2008.

Okkey Maude Flanders.
Its always about the fuckin children isnt it?

Re: Mexican Trucks to have access on US Roadways by this Weekend? WTF!

quote:

Originally posted by Zharen If this really does go through, not only will he hurt trucking businesses in the US, but he will also put me and everyone I know and care about in further danger on the roads.

i can see you having problems with the us truck business being hurt (i can see why, but i think its very shortsighted).... .but why exactly will you be in further danger on the roads?

quote:

Originally posted by Fir3start3r So what's your stance on Canadian drivers then Zharen?

I don't really have a problem with it. The answer is simple, the Canucks can read, write and speak English. That would make them less of a threat on the roads, generally speaking, since they can understand the signs and caution labels. The second point is the illegal immigration issue. You don't see wave after wave of Canadians trying to flood into this country, they seem rather content with their own country, as they should be. If Mexican truck drivers have access to our road system, what's to stop them from piling illegals alongside their cargo and then drop them off at whichever highway off-ramp is deemed convenient for them?

quote:

Originally posted by DJ Shibby: Wow, that seems a bit racist. Are you trying to insinuate that white anglo-saxon americans drive better than mexican truckers? Doubtful. Truckers always have more stringent rules to follow than general motorists. Seriously, the way you said this was quite feckered up.

Oh please. Everytime someone tries to defend the borders here in America, he/she is automatically dubbed as a racist. It's one of the most despicable low-blow tactics I have witnessed in politics. For your information, I happen to be part Mexican, my father actually took the time and effort to apply for citizenship, and received it after 15 years of hard work in this country.

Back to your statement, no, I'm not insinuating that Mexican drivers are worse than American drivers per se, but I think it's common sense that Mexican drivers will be at a real disadvantage on US roads if they don't understand the language, how could they understand the road signs? And what about the condition of the trucks themselves? Exactly how competent and thorough are the inspectors in Mexico when it comes to the driveability of their own vehicles? And lastly, what about insurance policies? What if a Mexican truck driver crashes into my car and is at fault? Will their company reimburse me for the loss of my vehicle and/or my hospital bills if there is one? If there aren't any repercussions for them to suffer if they collide with other vehicles on the roadways, what's to keep them from driving safely in the first place? These are some serious questions that need answering and personally, I feel my own safety is compromised if the screening process for Mexican drivers and regulations for them to follow aren't set to high standards. To summarize, it's not about which race can drive safer than the other, it's about what rules will be put into place to enforce safe driving for Mexican truck drivers. And frankly, I feel that whatever rules that are put into place will be inadequate for my own liking.

Looks like they've delayed their plans to open the borders over the Labor Day Weekend.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/...31mextruck.html

quote:

Critics, including several trucking and safety organizations and dozens of lawmakers, complain the administration has failed to guarantee the trucks will be safe. Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, blasted the Department of Transportation for �demonstrating complete disregard for the safety of vehicle motorists and the security threat created by granting Mexican truckers unrestricted access into the United States.�

I'll be sure to vote for Duncan Hunter in 08. Seems like he's the only candidate who actually gives a damn about border security.

quote:

Originally posted by Zharen I don't really have a problem with it. The answer is simple, the Canucks can read, write and speak English. That would make them less of a threat on the roads, generally speaking, since they can understand the signs and caution labels. The second point is the illegal immigration issue. You don't see wave after wave of Canadians trying to flood into this country, they seem rather content with their own country, as they should be. If Mexican truck drivers have access to our road system, what's to stop them from piling illegals alongside their cargo and then drop them off at whichever highway off-ramp is deemed convenient for them? Oh please. Everytime someone tries to defend the borders here in America, he/she is automatically dubbed as a racist. It's one of the most despicable low-blow tactics I have witnessed in politics. For your information, I happen to be part Mexican, my father actually took the time and effort to apply for citizenship, and received it after 15 years of hard work in this country. Back to your statement, no, I'm not insinuating that Mexican drivers are worse than American drivers per se, but I think it's common sense that Mexican drivers will be at a real disadvantage on US roads if they don't understand the language, how could they understand the road signs? And what about the condition of the trucks themselves? Exactly how competent and thorough are the inspectors in Mexico when it comes to the driveability of their own vehicles? And lastly, what about insurance policies? What if a Mexican truck driver crashes into my car and is at fault? Will their company reimburse me for the loss of my vehicle and/or my hospital bills if there is one? If there aren't any repercussions for them to suffer if they collide with other vehicles on the roadways, what's to keep them from driving safely in the first place? These are some serious questions that need answering and personally, I feel my own safety is compromised if the screening process for Mexican drivers and regulations for them to follow aren't set to high standards. To summarize, it's not about which race can drive safer than the other, it's about what rules will be put into place to enforce safe driving for Mexican truck drivers. And frankly, I feel that whatever rules that are put into place will be inadequate for my own liking.

You really think governments are that incompetent? I'm sure no one else thought of any of those points and they never implemented any sort of regulation to counteract any potential problems. I mean, surely you've read the current regulations put in place and found it lacking in all those points you mention, right? God forbid any of those government people would have half a brain and lay out a good plan. And as for the 'english' advantage, come on, you think these people won't get any training? You think it's that hard to be bilingual? You think the companies using the truckers won't give a rats ass about having drivers that can actually read. It is funny how you think Mexico and Mexican are some sort of backward ass idiots how can't figure out how to run a proper truck company, with insurance and all. I'm sure as soon as they're allowed on American roads they'll start smuggling people in trucks. I mean, it's not like theres checks at the boarder or anything.

quote:

Originally posted by Zharen Back to your statement, no, I'm not insinuating that Mexican drivers are worse than American drivers per se, but I think it's common sense that Mexican drivers will be at a real disadvantage on US roads if they don't understand the language, how could they understand the road signs? And lastly, what about insurance policies? What if a Mexican truck driver crashes into my car and is at fault? Will their company reimburse me for the loss of my vehicle and/or my hospital bills if there is one?

Yeah, because it's really difficult to understand the same small series of different-shaped, brightly colored road signs.

As for the insurance bit, I'm sure this has been thought of. These truckers will need to stop at weigh stations just like every other trucker, and if they don't have proper credentials, they'll get in deep shit. Their company won't risk loosing their supply like that.

quote:

Originally posted by venomX I'm sure as soon as they're allowed on American roads they'll start smuggling people in trucks. I mean, it's not like theres checks at the boarder or anything.

Yeah, I imagine it would be rather difficult to sneak people over in trucks unless you paid someone off (in which case you're getting over anyway)... electromagnetic heat detection's a bitch.

Let's face it: this isn't east and west germany we're talking about here. If someone wants to get across the border THAT badly, they will.

quote:

Originally posted by venomX You really think governments are that incompetent?

Short answer: yes. The Bush Administration has given me no reason to believe otherwise. I no longer have any faith in this system.

Re: Re: Mexican Trucks to have access on US Roadways by this Weekend? WTF!

quote:

Originally posted by DJ Shibby Wow, that seems a bit racist. Are you trying to insinuate that white anglo-saxon americans drive better than mexican truckers? Doubtful. Truckers always have more stringent rules to follow than general motorists. Seriously, the way you said this was quite feckered up.

I think your the racist!!!! Want to know why? Because you used the word RACIST so Fast.

Re: Re: Re: Mexican Trucks to have access on US Roadways by this Weekend? WTF!

quote:

Originally posted by SCUM I think your the racist!!!! Want to know why? Because you used the word RACIST so Fast.

Nah bro, it's not even like that.

I just see the animosity in people's intentions. It's clear as day. We seperate ourselves instead of uniting, because that's the easier but less rewarding thing to do.

Hope you don't mind me bumping threads, I've been busy this last week or two.

Powered by: vBulletin
Copyright © 2000-2021, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.