Free trade and trucks in U.S.-Mexico deal

last updated 8 January 2015

The U.S. and Mexico have resolved a 15-year trade dispute over the use of Mexican trucks on U.S. highways. As a result, punitive tariffs on $2.4 billion of U.S. goods will be lifted, and Mexican trucks will be able to deliver goods beyond the current limit of 25 miles from the border. The trucks must comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and have monitoring systems to track hours on the road. Mexican truck drivers will have to undergo drug tests that will be analyzed in U.S. labs, hand over driving records, and prove their English-language skills. “The agreements signed today are a win for roadway safety, and they are a win for trade,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said.