Press Releases 07
Ambassador Garza Announces Cross-Border Truck Initiative
Statement by Ambassador Antonio O. Garza
Mexico City, September 6, 2007 — “Today for the first time
the U.S. and Mexican governments have granted operating authority
for U.S. trucking companies to deliver and pick up shipments
in Mexico, and Mexican trucking companies to operate in the
U.S. beyond the 25-mile economic zone. A year-long cross-border
trucking demonstration project started today will allow up
to 100 Mexican companies and an equal number of U.S. transporters
to operate freely in both countries.
“The success of this pilot project could ultimately bring
an end to a 25-year-old process that requires three separate
shipments for every product moved by truck between the U.S.
and Mexico – and save consumers in the two countries over
$400 million a year in transport costs.
“This initiative is an important step toward completing NAFTA’s
promise of expanded economic opportunity and prosperity throughout
North America, while at the same time upholding stringent
security requirements and the very highest environmental and
road safety standards. Since NAFTA was implemented in 1994,
Mexican shipments to the U.S. have increased nearly 400%,
while U.S. exports to Mexico have increased from $41.6 billion
in 1993 to $134.2 billion in 2006.
“With already over $40 million dollars an hour of cross-border
trade, more free and efficient movement of goods by trucks
across the border will stimulate increased commerce and trade
between our two countries. Every time our nations cooperate
to overcome another obstacle to free trade, we strengthen
our relationship and improve the lives of our citizens.”
Click on the following for more information on the Cross-Border Trucking
Initiative. |
