The first of the Mexican trucks that are part of a DOT pilot program are expected to enter the U.S. past the 25-mile buffer zone today. This comes after a judge concluded on Aug. 30 that the union-backed effort to halt a program to give U.S. truck drivers access into Mexico and allow a limited number of Mexican trucks to operate long-haul routes within the U.S. lacks merit. However, Rep. James Oberstar, D-Minn., chair of the House transportation committee, will urge the Senate today to pass legislation freezing money to implement the program. A final report on the program from the inspector general of the U.S. Department of Transportation is expected today. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said it would launch the program upon the report's release. The Teamsters Union and the Sierra Club contend that allowing Mexican trucks into the U.S. poses safety and security concerns. The DOT says the program will have no impact on safety, given the thorough pre-screening and safety inspections that every truck from Mexico will have to endure before being allowed to travel into the U.S.
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