GRAIN VALLEY, Mo. — The Senate is taking a stand to ensure trucks from Mexico abide by United States laws before traveling U.S. highways.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is tipping its hat to the Senate for insisting on realistic rules to ensure trucks from Mexico abide by US law.

Truck safety rules are reportedly fewer and weaker in Mexico compared to those in the US. Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Mexican trucks crossing the border must comply with all US safety regulations.

Jim Johnston, president of the OOIDA says he has serious doubts in the ability of Mexican trucks to comply with the tougher rules. “Studies conducted by the Department of Transportation’s Inspector General back up this statement,” he says. As well, federal state truck enforcement is unprepared to oversee Mexican truck driver compliance with US safety rules.

“The border must stay closed until we are prepared to insure their compliance,” says Johnston.