Alternate to Cross Border Trucking

Jeffrey Stineman, the executive director of the National Truckers Association, is calling for help in enlisting thousands of US truckers to support a Free Commercial Trade Zone (FCTX) within the borders of the United States. Calling on owner operators, independent contractors, motor carriers, and others holding truck driving jobs to support this alternative to the proposed Cross Border Trucking program.

With the same goals as United States Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters’ proposal, a Free Commercial Trade Zone within 25 to 30 miles of the U.S.-Mexican border will offer benefits for truckers and regional residents as well. It will also cost American consumers less, improve the economic competitiveness of the United States, and generate new business opportunities for those with truck driving jobs in the United States, according to Stineman’s description of the FCTZ.

Stineman cited the recent growing surge of violence along the United States’ southern border with Mexico and its profound impact on OTR trucking driving job safety. He went on to say that this issue should be the government’s real goal and should be considered of primary concern. The American media frequently reports that warring drug cartels south of the U.S. border have stepped up their murders of top police personnel. Those hired to replace the dead police officials seldom stay long, resigning in short order when facing death threats from the cartels. For this reason, Stineman said that NTA members express grave doubt about the safety of the proposed Cross Border Trucking Program.

The Free Commercial Trade Zone being advanced by the Nation Truckers Association emphasizes driver safety, generates jobs in the area surrounding the “drop off” free trade and inspection terminal complexes. At the same time, the FCTZ model would save taxpayer money by eliminating the need for many Department of Transportation regulations regarding foreign truckers. As an added benefit, there would be a decreased need for local and state law enforcement personnel.

Stineman encouraged both members and non-members of the National Truckers Association to contact their appropriate state legislators and discuss the Free Commercial Trade Zone. In a very important election year, perhaps the politicians will listen to their constituents.