Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

More Work Needed to Protect Border, Says DOT Inspector General

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has more work to do before it can ensure the safety of Mexican trucks coming across the U.S. border, says the Department of Transportation’s Inspector General

by Staff
May 11, 2001
3 min to read


The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has more work to do before it can ensure the safety of Mexican trucks coming across the U.S. border, says the Department of Transportation’s Inspector General.

Safety has improved, as measured by out-of-service orders, but the enforcement effort still is not where it needs to be, said Inspector General Kenneth Mead in a report for Sen. Ernest Hollings, D-S.C., and Rep. Jim Oberstar, D-Minn.
The overall out-of-service rate along the border in fiscal year 2000 was 36%, down from 44% in FY 1997, the report says. That 36% rate compares to a 24% overall rate in the U.S.
But those statistics do not tell the whole story. As the report acknowledges, the problem is a regional one reflecting geography and the level of state commitment to enforcement. In California, for example, where there are few crossings and inspectors are on hand for full-time enforcement, the out-of-service rate for Mexican trucks is 23%. In Texas, where there are many more crossings and where staffing is lighter, the rate is much higher – 50% at one crossing in El Paso alone.
In his report, Mead notes that the safety agency has proposed new rules for Mexican trucks (See "Safety Agency Proposes Mexico Rules"), and is working on an implementation plan for the opening, expected by the first of next year.
"We are moving full speed ahead," said Steve Barber, associate administrator for enforcement and program delivery at the agency. He said he expects to have a document describing the plan around the end of May.
"The agency is mobilized to do what is required to ensure the safe opening of the border," he said.
Mead's report provided ammunition for opponents of the opening. Hollings and Oberstar said it confirms that unsafe Mexican trucks are a problem, and that more resources are needed. Joining the chorus was Teamsters President James P. Hoffa: "The inspection efforts at the border are nowhere near enough to protect the safety of the American traveling public. This report confirms our worst fears that unsafe Mexican trucks will roll uninspected onto U.S. highways."
Among the issues detailed in the Mead report:

Ad Loading...
  • While the safety agency has budgeted for 80 additional enforcement personnel along the border – which would bring the total number to 140 – it must be sure that inspectors are on duty at all crossings whenever commercial traffic is moving.

  • The agency needs to improve its communications infrastructure at many crossings. For example, at 20 crossings, inspectors did not have dedicated telephone lines to access critical safety records. The agency has budgeted $56.3 million for new facilities and improvements along the border. In addition, according to FMCSA Chief Safety Officer Julie Anna Cirillo, Texas has appropriated funds to build eight new inspection facilities.

  • Enforcement of registration requirements varies from state to state along the border.

Ad Loading...


The Inspector General is supposed to issue a final report later this year.

Topics:Equipment

More Equipment

Circles with trucks demonstrating sustainable features and Top Green Fleets logo
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 16, 2026

Top Green Fleets of 2026: Nomination Deadline Extended

Is your company a leader in sustainability efforts among trucking fleets? If so, Heavy Duty Trucking's editors want to hear from you.

Read More →
New Kenworth vocational front frame options.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseApril 14, 2026

Kenworth Announces Reinforced Front Frame Option for T880 and T880S Models

Kenworth has released a factory-installed reinforced front frame option for T880 models, designed to simplify upfits, cut costs, and speed time to service.

Read More →
Stoughton PureBlue reefer trailer.
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 13, 2026

Stoughton Rolls Out PureBlue Reefer Trailer, Raises Safety Bar With 40-mph Rear Impact Guard

Stoughton’s new refrigerated trailer platform delivers double-digit efficiency gains while a next-generation rear impact guard exceeds current crash standards.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Youtube thumbnail featuring man in Big-Lebowski-inspired sweater
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeApril 13, 2026

New Lightweight Wheel Cover Targets Simpler Aero Gains [Watch]

Watch to learn how Deflecktor's new wheel cover design is taking a simpler approach to aerodynamics, with an eye toward making it more practical for both trucks and trailers.

Read More →
Illustration of Maxiloda glide double-decking system inside trailer
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeApril 13, 2026

How Maxiloda’s Glide System Unlocks Hidden Trailer Capacity

By turning unused vertical space into usable capacity, Maxiloda’s Glide system helps fleets move more freight per trip while reducing loading risks and equipment damage.

Read More →
Dual truck tires with black aerodynamic wheel cover and a man bending down getting ready to take one off
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 10, 2026

Deflecktor: Hubbub Aerodynamic Wheel Cover Cost-Effective Even for Trailers

Aerodynamic wheel covers can deliver small but meaningful fuel-economy gains for fleets, and Deflecktor says its latest design aims to make the technology easier and more affordable to deploy.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Kenworth TourAmerica W900L.
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 9, 2026

Kenworth Revives Iconic 'TourAmerica' Paint Scheme

Kenworth’s new, limited-edition scheme celebrates trucking heritage while supporting a nationwide mobile museum tour.

Read More →
International autonomous truck.
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 8, 2026

Ryder Joins International’s Autonomous Truck Pilot on Texas Freight Lane

Ryder and International take autonomous trucking out of the lab and onto a live, 600-mile Texas freight lane.

Read More →
Volvo NRV Truck Manufacturing Plant
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 8, 2026

FTR: Class 8 Orders Stay Hot in March Despite Monthly Dip

Fuel prices aside, Class 8 demand remains elevated as freight fundamentals improve and fleets regain confidence in long-term investments.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of back of aluminum flatbed trailer on show floor
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeApril 2, 2026

Fontaine Expands Flatbed Lineup with New Fleet-Focused Models, Eyes 2027 Launch

Fontaine is broadening its flatbed lineup with new models aimed at fleets, including a lightweight aluminum trailer expected in 2027 that emphasizes durability, repairability, and lower cost.

Read More →