Teamsters Laud Bill to Toughen Cross-border Truck Standards
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters said it supports a bill that was passed unanimously Wednesday by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that would force Mexican trucks to meet safety and security standards
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters said it supports a bill that was passed unanimously Wednesday by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that would force Mexican trucks to meet safety and security standards
before they're allowed to travel beyond the narrow border zone.
The measure, sponsored by Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., toughens the safety reporting and evaluation requirements for the pilot program announced by the Bush administration on Feb. 23. It compels the Transportation Department to extend it for three years before throwing open the borders to unfettered truck travel deep into the United States.
"The pilot program described yesterday by Transportation Secretary Mary Peters has holes in it you could drive a truck through," said Teamsters President Jim Hoffa. "Nowhere does the Bush administration state that every truck must be physically inspected before being allowed to travel freely throughout the U.S. Nowhere does it describe what criteria will be used to judge the program a failure or a success.
"We've been saying all along that this is an extremely unpopular program, and the fact that every Democrat and Republican present on the Transportation Committee voted for this bill proves it," Hoffa said.
The Teamsters, along with several other groups, filed suit last month to block the Bush administration's effort to implement a 2001 NAFTA order.
The DeFazio bill is a substitute for a measure sponsored by Rep. Nancy Boyda, D-Kan., which the Teamsters also supported.
More Equipment

Mack Defense Secures $47 Million to Continue Military Dump Truck Production
President Trump visited Mack Defense’s Macungie, Pennsylvania, facility on June 23 to tout a $47 million Heavy Dump Truck order.
Read More →
New (Antique) Trucks Take the Spotlight at the Mack Trucks Museum
The Mack Trucks Historical Museum has a slate of new historic vehicles on display this year.
Read More →
WEX, TFS Launch Equipment Financing Program for Trucking Fleets
The companies say the program uses technology to connect fleets with financing providers more efficiently than traditional lending channels.
Read More →
Historic, Vintage, and Antique Trucks at the 2026 ATHS Convention
More than 500 trucks were on display, indoors and out, at the 2026 American Historical Society annual convention in Springfield, Missouri.
Read More →
DTNA Software Update Gives Truckers More Time Before DEF Derates Take Effect
The changes reflect EPA guidance aimed at reducing downtime caused by emissions-system faults while maintaining compliance requirements.
Read More →
Great American Trucks: The International MaxxPro MRAP
Built from an International WorkStar chassis and powered by a MaxxForce diesel, the MaxxPro MRAP became one of the most important military trucks of the Iraq War era.
Read More →
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 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 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 →
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 →
