Opposition to a provision in H.R. 1105
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATE CONGRESS:

The United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce, which works to build mutually beneficial trade and investment relations between the United States and Mexico, wishes to express its concern and opposition to a provision in H.R. 1105 that would effectively terminate the cross-border trucking program with Mexico and thereby violate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

In signing the NAFTA, the United States vowed to let Mexican trucks operate throughout U.S. territory. A trial trucking program, first implemented in September 2007 and since extended for two years, has proved a successful step in that direction, reducing transfer fees; fuel costs other expenses and creating new U.S. jobs in the process.

As the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has noted, Mexican carriers have met all 22 safety requirements set by Congress. Moreover, DOT’s Inspector General recently reported that Mexican trucks and drivers in the demonstration program had better safety records in its first year of operation than their U.S. counterparts. There is thus no justification for cutting off funds for the test program, as H.R.1105 would do,

The exchange of goods and services between the United States and Mexico embodied in the NAFTA presents unique business opportunities for both countries. However, the benefits of the benefits will be realized only if NAFTA partners honor all of their commitments. Mexico has complied with all terms of the agreement, and it is fair to expect the United States to do so as well.

The United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce appeals to Members of Congress to reconsider any and all efforts to end the cross-border trucking program, which would continue to prohibit Mexican trucks from traveling beyond the 25-mile “commercial zone” on either side of the border.

The United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce, which represents more than 1500 national and international companies, strongly believes in the benefits of free and fair trade. Since NAFTA took effect, trade between the United States, Mexico and Canada has more than tripled, and the economies of all three countries have grown substantially. Effectively terminating the cross-border trucking program with Mexico would have negative consequences for both Mexico and the United States. We therefore oppose the provision in H.R. 1105.


Sincerely,

Albert Zapanta
President & CEO