WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 10) — Rumors that the United States may open its border states to Mexican trucks by next year are premature, judging from reaction to the idea on Capitol Hill.

U.S. Dept. of Transportation Inspector General Kenneth Mead told a House Transportation subcommittee on appropriations that there has been little improvement since late last year when he reported that about 44% of Mexican trucks crossing the border do not meet U.S. safety standards.

Furthermore, he said there are not enough U.S. inspectors to have any impact. “For example, at El Paso, where 1300 trucks enter the U.S. daily, there is only one inspector,” he said.

Under the North American Free Trade Agreement, Mexican and U.S. carriers were to be allowed a certain amount of cross-border access in 1995, but the U.S. has kept the gates closed for fear of unsafe Mexican trucks.

In earlier testimony before the subcommittee, which is investigating the performance of DOT’s Office of Motor Carrier and Highway Safety, assistant DOT secretary for aviation and international affairs Charles Hunnicutt said that the Mexicans now have driver licensing and data systems that are compatible with those in the United States, and that the department may be ready to start processing Mexican applications late this year.

However, even though DOT has been working on safety and licensing procedures for Mexican carriers, concerns about the roadworthiness of their vehicles remains strong.

Rep. Frank Wolf, R-VA, chairman of the subcommittee, declared that DOT should not move forward on opening the border until after hearings on the matter are held next December.

U.S. labor organizations, which have been the major political force behind the continued closing of the border, remain adamantly opposed.