Testimony

The Inspector General testified at a joint hearing of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee regarding FMCSA’s implementation of safety requirements in preparation for opening the U.S.-Mexico border to Mexican commercial motor carriers. The IG’s testimony was based on his audit report, mandated by the FY 2002 DOT appropriations act. The report shows FMCSA has made substantial progress in meeting requirements to hire and train inspectors, establish inspection facilities, and develop safety processes and procedures for Mexican long-haul carriers. We recommended that FMCSA prepare weekly status reports on its progress in completing safety requirements that are still outstanding, as well as periodic reports reevaluating inspection staff and facility requirements at each border crossing.