Mexico Trucker Online

I was over on a website I visit occasionally and I ran across these questions that one of the members put forth. I was impressed by the time he took to post them and thought I would give the same care in answering them. Of course the majority on this site in question are against the Mexican program, be it because of prejudices or simply believing all the misinformation being forced down everyones throats by a select few.

Check the site out for yourselves when you have the time.

1. How many Green Light Weigh Stations (Electronic weigh in motion systems) are in Mexico in order to determine weight prior to trucks entering America? Trucks over weight may unload their cargo at a border truck stop equipped with a distribution station. The Weigh in Motion system will alert Truck Stop Distribution Centers and DOT.

Mexico has a number of “super coop” style weigh in motion inspection stations on major highways leading to the border and on major cross Mexico routes. The PFP or Federal Highway Police are authorized and do, roadside inspections with frequency. Trucks entering the U.S. will be hailing legal 80,000 pound or less loads and will be checked at weigh and inspection stations after clearing U.S. Customs. In Texas, there is one at every commercial crossing, open and staffed when the border is open to commercial traffic.

2. U. S. DOT Motor Carrier information relating too authority and insurance, carrier/owner operator safety records, driver drug programs, truck/trailer identification and computer analysis of Green Light Stations verifying truck/trailer axle weights, etc., inside Mexico placed on main Mexico Highways, alerting U. S. DOT 100 miles prior to truck crossing into America which violations/standards truck is not adhering to. In this way, truck can be routed to the proper truck stop inside Mexico or on the border in the U. S (1/4 mile radius) in order for the Owner-Operator and or Motor Carrier the means and ability to correct any deficiency in weight standards or regulations/standards not met. Yet there has been no attempt to implement this program. Why?

Doing as you suggest violates Mexican sovereignty just as having the same conditions here for Mexico to monitor would violate U.S. sovereignty. Keep in mind that with the proper axle configuration and double trailers with a tandom dolly, trucks can legally gross 109,000 pounds. Those load never cross the border. The U.S and the States are responsible for weight enforcement at the border and at interior weighing facilities.

3. How many rest areas have been built in Mexico to accommodate U. S. trucks and are they federally protected?

None and why should they? The U.S. can use the same facilities the Mexican drivers use. Large, spacious PEMEX truck stops with plenty of parking spaced in 30 to 50 mile intervals and if that is not enough, there are hundreds of small restaurants with roadside parking to rest and relax? And why would they need Federal protection. Even though the PFP hang out in these places, most of the Mexican truckers can be seen parked with sleeper doors open and windows down sleeping. Day or night. The big misconception people have is that Mexico is a dangerous place. Less dangerous than many major American cities.

4. What guarantee do U. S. trucks have that they won’t be targeted by local police in every municipality as a source of income for varying violations?”

No guarantees and none needed. By and large, Police in Mexico are honest, You have the bad apples like you do anywhere. For the most part, driving a truck in Mexico, you will be bypassing the cities and small towns using the excellent highway system that Mexico has developed. Not to say it won’t happen, but it is not something to be worried about.
5. BA JA needs a truck stop inside Mexico in between Ensenada and Rosaritio on the Quota. LA CASA REAL was well suited for a regional truck stop. The area I chose to develop in 2001 consists of approximately 600-acres and is in between Bajamar world-class golf course and Ba Ja Seasons RV Resort next to the ocean. The area is known as Ejido Ursulo Galvan. This truck stop location was under my control for years and would have provided BA JA peninsula cities such as Camalu, known for their Tomatoes, Sonora, Ensenada, Mexicalli, San Felipe, etc., a Mexican DOT inspection Station allowing for in house enforcement to ensure Mexican trucks adhere to U. S. FHWA/DOT regulations and standards.

What does this have to do with the price of tortillas or Mexican trucks?
7. Will U. S. trucks be required to pay Mexico Federal Heavy Highway Tax?

Don’t know if Mexico has such a tax. U.S. trucks will be required to register their business. If you buy fuel in Mexico, you’ll pay taxes included at the pump. Anything you buy, you’ll pay a 10% VAT tax or IVA as it’s called

8. Are U. S./Mexico highway signs in English and Spanish?

U.S signs are in English, English and Spanish close to the border and Mexican highway signs are in Spanish, for the most part. But with a little common sense, one should not have any problems.

9. Does the Mexico DOT have its highways, byways, city streets and bridges listed in compressive maps as to weight or zone restrictions and or accessible to the internet?

Not to my knowledge although the Guia Roja is an excellent map for all of Mexico and is available in Atlas form or on CD and available for Garmin GPS units. Weight restricted bridges are well marked as are the occasional low underpasses within a city but those are rare and on the open road, 15 feet of clearance is the norm. Learn your metrics though.

10. If a U. S. driver is in an accident within Mexico will they go to jail? Mexico’s current
law exclaims anyone in an accident is guilty and can be incarnated to include confiscation
of the truck?
If they have the appropriate insurance, they will not unless a fatality or serious injury occurs due to driver negligence. Remember, you are under Mexican law the same as the Mexican driver will be accountable under U.S. law.
11. Mexico requires BA JA and or Federal Mexican plates to travel in their country, a
minimum cost of $2,000.00. America should require and issue special plates to Mexican
carriers and owner operators. Truck CVSA sticker, Cargo and liability insurance must be current and paid in advance annually in order to be issued these plates. Will these plates
have bar codes that will be electronically read by Customs, Secondary Truck Stop inspection stations and DOT in order to verify pertinent information’s regarding Motor Carrier/Owner Operator, cargo and liability insurance, IRP, IFTA, SSRT, CVSA, BOC-3, and drug testing programs, etc.?

Mexico DOES NOT require nor is there any such thing as a Mexican Federal Plate. All vehicles from motorcycles to 18 wheelers are registered in the Mexican state they are domiciled in. And yes, Mexican plates from all 31 states have bar codes as well as window stickers in the event the plate is lost. There is a thing called “RECIPROCITY” whereas American vehicles legally licensed in the U.S. are permitted to travel anywhere in Mexico. If it is a car or motorcyle, a $22.00 vehicle permit is required good for 6 months.

12. Will there be heavy Motor Carrier fines to use false CDL? Dual Mexican and American CDL license in order to enter either Mexico or America and Mexican DOT must originate a WEB Site allowing access to information on their registered drivers including their driving records.

Mexico has has a site such as you mention and since 1999, U.S. authorities have had access to it. It is called LFIS (Licencia Federal Information System) A false Mexican CDL is easily detectable by Mexican Federal authorities and it is a document very difficult to forge.

13. Will Mexican Motor Carriers and Owner Operators belong to IRP and IFTA and pay weight and mile distance tax in those states that require this road tax?

Mexican carriers will be required to meet the same requirements as the Canadians regarding taxes. I forsee in the near future, Mexico becoming part of IFTA in order to share revenue and rightfully so.

14. Will Mexican Motor Carriers and Owner Operators submit Single State Registration Tax (SSRT) to those states that require this dual cargo and liability insurance verification?

SSR is history. The UCR is replacing it whenever they get their ducks in a row.
15. Will Mexican trucks have Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) inspection stickers issued upon entrance into the U.S. by the DOT and maintained quarterly?

FMCSA rules require Mexican trucks to display a current CVSA sticker obtained during their PRE ACCESS SAFETY AUDIT (PASA) before entering the United States.
16. If a Motor Carrier or Owner Operator is caught hauling illegal cargo, will their
authorization to enter the U. S. should be revoked permanently. The argument “I’m not
responsible for the actions of my driver” is not affective?

No. They will be subject to conditional authority while FMCSA reviews the problem.
17. Will Mexican Owner-Operators and Motor Carriers register themselves and or drivers in a Drug Free Transportation Consortium to include initial drug testing?

Initially Mexican drivers have been tested in U.S. facilities nd were physiclly present for the tests. Mexican drivers are required to submit to random drug tests at any time and in any location, including roadside drug tests administered by PFP officials.
18. Will Mexican Owner-Operators and Motor Carriers have on file BOC-3 (Process Agents)? According to FMCSA rules, Mexican motor carriers are required to have process agents in all 48 states.

19. Oregon based Motor Carriers are required by law to maintain Workers Compensation on their drivers. Will Mexican drivers have equivalent insurance on their drivers?

Not our concern. That is a Mexican employment issue and has nothing to do with the fitness or the ability of the driver or motor carrier to perform their duties.
20. Has Weight and Mile Distance Tax been introduced to Mexican DOT?

Not sure what you mean, but Mexican carriers will be liable for the same taxes as Canadian carriers.
21. You must be an experienced driver to haul double and triple trailers. What level of
experience will Mexican drivers be required to have in order to haul said same in the U.S.?

Mexican drivers have more experience operating this type of equipment than many of us in the United States. The normal configuration for some Mexican trucks are twin 49′ trailers with a tandom dolly. I don’t think many of us have the skills to handle rigs like this. I have double/triple endorsements on my CDL but I have never pulled doubles? Am I qualified? Legally yes and I could do it if needed. All it means is I could pass that portion of the exam. The question is irrelevant though as the Mexican carriers operating in this country will be pulling 53′ trailers, the same as us.

22. Fuel purchased in Mexico doesn’t pay for U. S. Highway taxes U. S. Trucks must pay in addition to selected states road per mile tax and Federal Highway heavy Usage Tax. Will there be a regulated tax to off set highway taxes lost in order to allocate fair Heavy Highway Usage?

There is very little difference in the price of a gallon of fuel in the U.S and the price of 3.82 liters of diesel in Mexico. Mexican drivers will purchase much of their fuel here in the U.S. Even now, on the border in Laredo, the Mexican shuttle fleets fill their trucks on this side of the border before returning home at night. It is a non issue!
23. Will Mexican trucks be required to adhere to EPA standards?

No more and no less than we are. There is no difference in the modern line haul truck used in Mexico and soon to be used on our highways and the one you’re driving. As a matter of fact, your truck might have been manufactured in Mexico if it’s a Freightliner or an International.

24. Will Mexican trucks be held to the highest standards like U. S. trucking firms are
federally regulated to do?

Read the FMCSA postings. Mexican trucks will be held to a much higher standard than we are. They have a higher standard in Mexico overall and because of all the attention, they will be under a microscope here.

25. How many rest areas have been built in Mexico since 2001?

None! Why should there be? Mexico has something better than rest areas. Wide pull off’s anywhere you feel like stopping. Cafe’s every few miles and PEMEX fuel stations with abundant truck parking every 30 miles are so.
26. What’s the free hot line verifying Mexican Authority, labiality and cargo insurance? U.S. DOT hotline for Motor Carrier and or Broker verification of authority, BOC-3, cargo and liability insurance is 202-358-7000.

I imagine you can use the same number but why would you? Don’t you have enough to do without worrying about what the other man is doing? If you see a Mexican truck with a USDOT number ending in “X”, that’s one of the pilot trucks and you can be assured all his ducks are walking in lock step.

27. While Mexican trucks will not be allowed INTRA traffic within states, how will you
enforce it? Brokers could easy broker a load or go to the Internet Truck Stop and find your own load rather then dead heading home. While the intent may be spelled out not to allow INTRA traffic for Mexican trucks, our own INS is unable to enforce employment laws in regards to hiring illegal aliens.

This has nothing to do with immigration either legal or illegal. You refer to cabotage rules and it will be up to the individual state DOT officials to enforce. But again, with only 155 trucks cleared to operate under this program, it is a non issue.
28. Where are the 100 Mexican Trucking Companies web sites or Mexico DOT web site that list all the companies and businesses that intend to travel U. S. Highways equal to Airborne Express Trucking Safety Record Attorney Gordon S. Johnson, Jr.

Thre are not 100 Mexican trucking companies involved. At last count, 33 companies, with 152 trucks and 155 drivers had been cleared to participate. The rest either withdrew their applications or could not be contacted for the PASA. I believe 6 failed the initial inspection. This information is available elsewhere on this site and on the FMCSA site. It does not list the web sites and most of the records are in the applicants name.
29. Where does GPS tracking and or Cross International License Plates play into DOT’s plan?

The majority of Mexican trucking companies rely on Qualcomm or similiar tracking services to communicate with their fleets and to track them. In additon, SKYBLITZ is becoming very popular on both sides of the border as a cost effective way to track trailers. Cross International Plates do not exist, reciprocity does.!

30. Will the Mexican Trucks be tracked by the DOT?

In the same manner as U.S. and Canadian trucks but during the pilot program, they will be closely tracked via the USDOT “X” number for statistical purposes.

31. Will the Senate and Congress guarantee the American people/residents that everything is in order?

The Senate and the Congress cannot guarantee that they are in order. The DOT-OIG will sign off on the program before it ever begins. But truthfully, can you really believe that anything short of an edict from GOD would satisfy the opponents of these programs?

32. Has Homeland Security signed off on the Pilot Program?

Homeland Security has nothing to do with this program other than the level of involvement they have with the Canadian carriers. This is a USDOT/FMCSA concern.
33. Will the drivers be checked against the terror watch list or will our borders be open to
anyone with a Mexican driver’s license?

Mexican drivers, just like anyone crossing our southern border legally, myself included, have their plates and drivers licenses and or passports entered into the computers at the crossings. In addition, the Mexican trucker, be he long haul or a shuttle driver, must possess a B1/B2 laser visa to enter the country. The participants of this program will in addition to the laser visa, be required to obtain a I-94, (Record of Entry/Exit) which is issued by the Department of State and can be refused for any reason not associated with the Laser Visa. Yes! We will know who is crossing the border. While a Mexican drivers license and a Mexican State CDL are fairly easy to obtain, a Mexican Federal License is not given away.
34. Will the drivers be required to carry a Mexican passport, as U.S. citizens are required
to present their passports when entering the country from Mexico or Canada?

See the answer to question 33

35. The integrity of drug and alcohol testing done in U.S. labs is based on a random system and drivers must be able to show up for the appointment using there own mode of
transportation. How will the Mexican driver show up, suggesting the importance of pass ports and long distance for travel is an issue?

Mexican drivers are under their own set of drug testing rules done in combination and as a requirement to obtain their Licencia Federal. They can be stopped and made to take a random any place, anytime. In the U.S., they would be under the same rules as we are when it concerns “just cause” “post accident” etc.

36. Who will oversee the collection of random samples?

In Mexico, a government certified lab with a government doctor oversees collections and unlike here where you can take a whiz in private, In Mexico, a technician is watching.
37. Will he samples be collected in Mexico and sent to American labs or dos the Mexican
driver show up in person?
For the time being they are and yes, for the PASA, all drivers tested were tested in person at U.S. labs close to the border
38. The application of U.S. standards to Mexican drivers including the requirement that U.S. drivers have a Commercial Drivers License, undergo regular physicals and meet minimum age requirements in existence in the U. S. and what program exists for Mexican Drivers?

Minimum age for a CDL in Mexico is 21. Driver must show proof of training which consists of 40 hours classroom and simulator study. He must present multiple document including the birth certificate and two other documents proving who he is. A thorough physical exam is required as well as drug and alcohol testing (blood) by a Federally certified medical facility (no choice of doctors as we have here). A background check is conducted through the AFI (the Mexican equivalent of the FBI) and letters of good character are required from the applicants home town Police Chief. Basically a letter of reference. The license is valid for only two years and all the above mentioned steps are required for renewal.

39. How many dual citizenship drivers are there?

Who knows and who cares. Unlike the United States, it is not against the law in Mexico to hold dual citizenship, provided you were born in Mexico. So if a Mexican holds dual U.S. Mexican citizenship, her is legal to work in the U.S. Any other type of dual citizenship in Mexico is extremely rare

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1. How does Mexico rate the condition of the countries 88,601-km of paved roads (including 4,286 km of expressways) (1993 est.)?

I don’t know how Mexico rates them but I rate them between a c+ and an “A”. I have traveled thousands of miles in Mexico in my personal vehicle, generally between Laredo Texas and Mexico City with side trips as the mood strikes me. The toll roads are excellent. The payment of your toll is also your insurance policy while on the toll road. The highways, such as Highway 57 which runs from Saltillo to Mexico City and south is an excellent 4 lane divided. Even what would be called a county road or state highway in the U.S. is decent in Mexico in most places

2. How does Mexico rate the condition of the country 156,832-km non-paved roads (1993 est.)?
Hey a dirt roads a dirt road. What can you say. Most are passable.
3. What are the weight and trailer lengths in specified areas within Cities, Ejido’s, Colorado’s or States?

As posted depending on the road. Haz Mat vehicles are required by ordinance and law to use tolled by passes around town. Heavy vehicles also in most cities. On the open road, federal limits apply

4. Where is the specific bridges with height and weight restrictions or for that matter, a
list of Bridges semi trucks are not allowed to travel on?

Bridge and overpasses on the routes that an American trucker would travel on are well marked and all capable of handling the 109,000 pounds of legal weight. Overpasses are all built well over 15 feet of clearance and out on the open road, there are few of them. Interchanges on the Federal highways are exactly as they are in the U.S. One difference is that highways are signed extremely well. Curves are marked, excessively. Driving in Mexico, for me, is a pleasure.
5. Where is the List of restricted areas throughout Mexico where you cannot drive a trailer or haul a container that has an International Hazardous waste placard?

There is a list on the CANACAR site of sorts however restricted routes are well marked in international signage. Also “Materiales Peligroso Prohibido” is something to watch for. But I doubt that Americans will be allowed to transport Haz Mat in Mexico because the Mexican carriers are prohibited from transporting it under the Pilot Program.
6. What is the ticket or fine for violating an Mexico DOT regulation relating to overweight,
speeding, travailing over the wrong bridge or being in the wrong place with an International Hazardous waste placard on your trailer or container?

Nothing you need to worry about for the above reasons. You will not be overwieght since you will be transporting the same load you loaded in the United States. You will not be carrying Haz Mat (Mexico has very strict haz mat laws) If you stay on the main highways, you won’t have to worry about being on a wrong bridge. As far as speeding, the general speed limit is 110 km per hour. Fast enough. But………. when I make my trips south, I have been known to set the cruise on 90mph and go. I have passed Federal Highway Police who have looked at me like I was crazy and didn’t bother to chase me. The PFP are out there to patrol the highway and work accidents. They generally don’t work speed. Should you be stopped by a local “transito” which are the traffic cops of Mexico, ask to be taken before a judge. Or, if they give an idicaiton, offer to buy their dinner. Better for everyone in the long run. But never ever make the offer to a Federal Officer, They are well paid and for the most part, extremely proud and honest.

7. What provisions have been made in order to allow the American Motor Carrier to pay
tickets or fines to the Mexico Government Agency responsible rather than the police.

You pay them where you are told to pay them. You are under Mexican law. In the U.S., we pay them at weigh stations, mail them in the presence of the officer. Use your own judgement. If $200 pesos (less than $20 dollars) will make a problem disappear, why not go for it. Trucking in Mexico can be as fun and hassle free as it was in the U.S. 30 years ago. Why make problems where none exist?
8. Where are all the designated truck stops throughout Mexico, allowing
American Motor Carriers a place to shut down after ten-hours of driving?

PEMEX, the national oil monopoly of Mexico has truck stops about every 30 miles, sometimes closer. Most are huge by American standards with plenty of parking. In addition, do as the Mexican truckers do. Pull of on the wide shoulders with the rest and sleep. Get up in the morning and go into the roadside cafe for breakfast. There is safety in numbers. Back when I was using my Suburban for my travels, I thought nothing of pulling into a roadside cafe and sleeping with the windows down. Never a problem. Each PEMEX has a 7-11 or a OXXO convenience store and cafe’s all around them. Truck stops and truck parking are not a problem in Mexico. But realistically, for the American driving in Mexico, it is doubtful that most will be in country for 10 hours. Your freight will be going to places like Wal Mart D.C on the north side of Monterrey where the toll road ends, 155 miles from Laredo. Or to the DELPHI or Chrysler plants in Saltillo, 200 miles form Laredo. GM in Saltillo. Kelloggs in Queretaro, about 500 miles south of Laredo. All on major highways with easy access.

9. Will truck stops have Federal Protection?
The one thing you don’t need is Federal Protection at a truck stop. Although the PFP (Federales or Federal Highway Police) frequent them for meals and rest breaks. Remember, show respect to the people and respect for the country. Leave your mocking superior attitudes in the north and get to know the country and the people. You won’t regret it.
10. Throughout Mexico there are Federal Inspection Out Post. Once an
American truck has been issued an inspection certificate, will the truck be re-Inspected
each time it encounters a Federal inspection Station?

What you are referring to is a Zoosanitoria or the equivalent of our USDA Inspection, (think Florida and California, Arizona) The only time you are required to stop is if you are carrying livestock. The exception is one on the northbound side of Mx 57 at the Coahuila state line I believe and everyone stops. The rest of the time, the only stops you are required to make are for military check points which are looking for drugs and illegals from Central American. These soldiers are polite and professional and will check you B/L’s and perhaps look in the trailer. Cooperate and there is no problems.

11. Will Mexico require Single State Registration or Process Agents in each State?
Who knows but it is doubtful. Mexican law is Napoleonic as compared to our English system. What they are requiring as of now is

1. Lists of all equipment to be used. 2. Drivers drug test results 3. Company safety information. Basically a “lite” version of what we are requiring of them.
12. Will there ever be a Weight and Mile Distance Tax to cover highway
construction and maintenance with increased commercial traffic from Canada and the U.S. created in Mexico?

I seriously doubt it because collection with be iffy. Better to have an annual permit based on projected miles traveled. And have no doubt, Mexico has an excellent system of databases, especially where tax collection is concerned.

13. Is there a centralized data base Mexican Motor Carrier’s Insurance can be verified?

That is part of the FMCSA responsibilities and they do have databases because the Mexican carriers will be required to carry coverage from American companies.