Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Report Exposes High Mexican Truck Defects. Or does it?

Just a few months before the U.S. is scheduled to reopen its border to Mexican long-haul truckers, a report has surfaced that indicates a large majority of trucks heading northbound into El Paso from Mexico have reportable defects

by Staff
August 24, 2011
2 min to read


Just a few months before the U.S. is scheduled to reopen its border to Mexican long-haul truckers, a report has surfaced that indicates a large majority of trucks heading northbound into El Paso from Mexico have reportable defects.


According to a report by Fox News Latino, Texas Department of Public Safety inspectors found just over 1 million violations on about 1.2 million trucks inspected between 2007 and 2011 at the Bridge of Americas and the Zaragoza International Bridge.

However, many of those violations are likely multiple defects on single units, not the total number of trucks with problems.

And the report doesn't say how many of those trucks belonged to American-based carriers that were returning stateside.

As well, the majority of problems with equipment and drivers appears to be minor or clerical in nature.

Only 31,519 trucks and 625 drivers were placed out of service (OOS) as a result of these inspections. That's an OOS rate of 2.6 percent - well below the domestic U.S. and Canadian averages.

Mexican trucks entering the United States are restricted to a narrow 20-mile border zone. That changes in a few months when the Obama administration relaunches a cross-border program which allows carriers to haul across the U.S. if they comply with strict safety conditions.

Critics of the program are using the latest report to advance their complaints.

"This report confirms what we have been saying for years - Mexican trucking companies and their fleets are not held to the same stringent safety standards as American carriers," the Teamsters' Jim Hoffa told Fox News Latino.

However, State Rep. Joe Pickett, D-El Paso, countered by saying the number of violations Mexican trucks is in line with U.S. standards and in some cases are even better.

From Today's Trucking


Topics:Equipment

More Equipment

2026 Mack Granite interior.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJune 11, 2026

New Mack Granite Cab Puts Driver Comfort Front and Center

Mack’s next-generation vocational truck features a roomier cab, premium seating, advanced steering technology, and a driver-focused interior designed with direct input from professional operators.

Read More →
Mack Trucks Pioneer Nascar Salutes truck.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJune 11, 2026

Mack Unveils Fan-Selected Patriotic NASCAR Pioneer Wraps

Racing fans picked the patriotic design now featured on three Mack Pioneer trucks hauling NASCAR equipment across the country during the 2026 season.

Read More →
Michelin X Line Grip D tires.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJune 9, 2026

Michelin Expands X Line Grip D Tire Line

Michelin is expanding its X Line Grip D drive tire lineup with a new pre-mold retread and additional sizes, building on what the company says is strong fleet adoption of the tire's traction, mileage, and fuel-efficiency benefits.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration of SCR/DEF system on heavy-duty truck
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJune 4, 2026

Engine Technology Forum Launches SCR, DEF Resource Center Amid Emissions Debate

The Engine Technology Forum’s new online hub aims to provide fleets, policymakers, and equipment owners with fact-based information about selective catalytic reduction technology, diesel exhaust fluid and emissions compliance.

Read More →
Artist rendering of dealership with trucks and trailers parked outside
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJune 2, 2026

Prime Inc. to Open $7.9M Flagship Used-Truck Dealership

A new driver-focused facility to sell Prime Inc's used trucks and trailers will be the first purpose-built location in the company's history.

Read More →
Red Kenworth truck pulling Paper Transport trailer
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeJune 2, 2026

Lessons Learned About Alternative Fuels: Start Small, Stay Flexible

Practical advice on adopting alternative fuels and ZEVs from HDT's 2026 Top Green Fleets, from renewable diesel and natural gas to electric trucks.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Kenworth T680.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseMay 27, 2026

Kenworth Names Peter Ahrens General Manager

Leadership changes at Kenworth take effect July 1 as the OEM promotes two longtime Paccar executives to key management roles.

Read More →
White Hino Le electric tractor on show floor
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseMay 26, 2026

Hino Adds Electric Class 6/7 Truck

Hino says the Le Series is an important step in the company's efforts to reduce environmental impact and support its customers’ sustainability goals.

Read More →
Big standing "ACTExpo" sign in convention center lobby
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeMay 26, 2026

ACT Expo 2026: Highlights in Photos

The 2026 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo featured a broad range of commercial vehicle technologies, from EVs to autonomous trucks to the latest diesel and alternative-fuel engines.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Red Hendrickson e-axle at ACT Expo booth
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseMay 22, 2026

Hendrickson Debuts Electraax E-Axle for Medium-Duty Trucks

Developed with Driventic, Hendrickson's new integrated e-axle is designed to improve efficiency, reduce weight, and extend range in Class 6-7 EV applications.

Read More →