Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/114712
Logbook 10th Mexican carrier granted U.S. authority conclude Mexican medical examination standards and procedures are insufficient to assure safe operation. According to the agency's most recent publicly available data, nine carriers (Continued on Page 90) Text INFO to 205-289-3555 or visit www.ovdinfo.com The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration granted a 10th Mexican carrier operating authority for the cross-border trucking pilot program in February. The agency announced it would issue provisional operating authority to Grupo Behr after it concluded the carrier had made sufficient changes to qualify for the program. In 2011, FMCSA published the company's PreAuthorization Safety Audit, required of applicants to demonstrate they can operate safely beyond the commercial border zone. Agency officials then put Grupo Behr's application on hold and began an investigation after public concern was expressed over the carrier's safety record. FMCSA's cross-border program also is in the midst of a lawsuit with the OwnerOperator Independent Drivers Association and the Teamsters. A District of Columbia appeals court heard oral arguments Dec. 6 but has not issued an opinion yet. The plaintiffs assert FMCSA requires American truckers to meet stricter regulations than the program's participants. In separate litigation in the same court, OOIDA is arguing the agency's National Registry of Medical Examiners should not permit Mexican drivers to operate in the United States without a current medical certificate issued by a registry examiner. On Nov. 26, Mexico filed a friend-of-the-court brief stating OOIDA had no basis to have applications for authority pending as of Jan. 27. Also, five carriers have withdrawn from the program, and the agency has dismissed another eight applicants. — Jill Dunn March 2013 | Overdrive | 17 Logbook_0313.indd 17 2/27/13 10:37 PM