Current Issues Related to Security and Safety Initiatives for Mexican Truck Carriers Along the Texas-Mexico Border

摘要

Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the U.S. governments view of its borders has changed and they are now viewed as serving a protective function first, while the role of encouraging trade has become secondary. However, even with the realization of the dangers that the United States now faces, the country cannot simply close its borders and look inward. International trade is too vital a component of the countrys economic activity and prosperity to eliminate. In the case of U.S.-Mexico trade, it totaled $232.1 billion in 2002 and approximately 80 percent of the surface trade was carried by trucks. Prior to and since the September 11th attacks, federal and state governments have initiated a variety of programs for Mexican shippers and carriers to ensure domestic security, confiscate illegal drugs, stop smuggling, slow illegal immigration, and improve commercial vehicle safety. In general, most of the programs operate successfully, but there are always opportunities for improvement. Specific areas for improvement identified in this paper are increasing participation in voluntary enforcement programs, improving data exchange between the U.S. federal and state governments and the Mexican federal government, and improving the Mexican Commercial Drivers License system. Given the federal governments reorganized view of the border, the current transitional period will likely continue for two or more years and should be viewed as an opportunity to fix existing problems and improve future practices.