DOT Will Take Public Comments on Mexican-Carrier Safety Audits

The Department of Transportation said Monday it will accept public comments through Sept. 22 on safety authorizations of Mexican carriers to operate in the United States beyond a 25-mile border zone.

In a Federal Register notice published Monday, DOT also said Mexican carrier Grupo Behr de Baha California has passed a safety audit and has obtained a DOT number for operating in the United States.

Last week, DOT’s Inspector General said the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration failed to set up several procedures aimed at monitoring and inspecting Mexican trucks that would enter the United States, a move that could delay the program.

Separately, the Teamsters union and the advocacy group Public Citizen filed a lawsuit claiming FMCSA has broken several laws that would ensure that Mexican trucks meet U.S. safety standards.

DOT’s notice Monday said for Mexico-based carriers to obtain a PASA, or pre-authorization safety audit, FMCSA must verify:

• A controlled substances and alcohol-testing program;

• Compliance with hours-of-service rules;

• The ability to obtain financial responsibility;

• Records of periodic vehicle inspections; and

• Qualifications of each driver.

Click here to view and/or comment on the Federal Register notice, or to view it directly, visit www.regulations.gov and drop-down “Notice” and enter Docket No. FMCSA-2011-0097. (U.S. government website.)