Testimony

The IG testified before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit regarding motor carrier safety at the U.S.-Mexico border. Our ongoing work found that the United States has made improvements in its inspection presence and controls, and Mexico has made progress in establishing safety oversight requirements. However, additional actions are needed to reasonably ensure the safety of commercial vehicles and drivers as they enter at the southern border, operate within the commercial zones, and traverse the United States. DOT must: (1) place inspectors at each commercial border crossing during all operating hours; (2) perform safety reviews before granting Mexican-domiciled carriers conditional authority; (3) inspect all long-haul vehicles and drivers before they enter and operate in the United States; and (4) provide adequate facilities to conduct inspections and place unsafe vehicles out of service.