GRAIN VALLEY, Mo. — Responding to concerns repeatedly raised by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and others, the US Department of Transportation announced it would delay a pilot program that will open the border to 100 Mexico-based trucking companies.

“We would like to thank Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters for making this wise decision and for listening to our members who have written or called their representatives in Congress, expressing concern about safety and security,” said Todd Spencer, OOIDA executive vice-president.

The association has been leading a campaign to make sure its members, the media and the public are aware of the risks to safety and security. So far, the DOT officials have provided no relevant details to the public on how they plan to handle those issues.

“The next step should be to carefully address where we are – the loopholes and shortcomings,” added Spencer. “The public has the right to know exactly how the DOT plans to ensure the safety and security of those who drive on our highways.”

A few of those questions/issues include: hours of service, safety, security, drug testing, insurance, inspections, and cabotage.