International Programs

The International Program web page provides resources and guidance on the FMCSA regulations, Hazardous Materials regulations and safety requirements for motor carriers domiciled in the United States, Canada, and Mexico who operate, or are applying for authority to operate, beyond their own borders to transport international freight.

Operating in North America and...

Guidance on Cross-Border Transportation and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

• 10/28/2020 - Canada: Jurisdictional Actions in Response to COVID-19
• 10/23/2020 - Canada: For Persons Exempt from Mandatory Quarantine due to COVID-19
• 09/18/2020 - FMCSA: Waiver in Response to the COVID-19 National Emergency – For States, CDL Holders, CLP Holders, and Interstate Drivers Operating Commercial Motor Vehicles
• 09/18/2020 - FMCSA: Notice of Enforcement Policy Regarding Expiring Driver’s Licenses and Medical Examiner’s Certificates During COVID-19 National Emergency
• 09/18/2020 -FMCSA: FMCSA Guidance on Cross-Border Transportation and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• 06/15/2020 - Mexico: Order Extending the Validity of Expired CDLs and Medical Certificates due to COVID-19
• 05/06/2020 -FMCSA: Frequently Asked Questions Relating to Public Health Emergency Declaration Related to Covid-19

Hours of Service

• 09/28/2020 - FAQs - Hours of Service Requirements for Cross-Border Drivers
• 09/28/2020 - Get to Know the New Rule (English - Español)
• 09/28/2020 - HOS Fact Sheet (English - Español)
• 09/28/2020 - Summary of Hours of Service Regulations (English - Español)

Entering Canada

• Travel Alerts for U.S. Motor Carriers/Drivers that Operate in Canada
  • 06/2020 - Prepare for New Electronic Logging Device Requirements when operating in Canada starting June 2021
  • 01/2020 - Removal of Operating Prohibition for Commercial Drivers with Insulin Treated Diabetes Mellitus
  • 06/2019 - Canadian ELD Techical Standard FAQ's
  • 08/2018 - Personal Conveyance FAQ for U.S. Carriers/Drivers Operating in Canada
  • 08/2018 - Agriculture Exemption FAQ for U.S. Carriers/Drivers Operating in Canada
  • 12/2017 - Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Frequently Asked Questions for U.S. Carriers/Drivers Operating in Canada
  • 07/2017 - U.S. Carriers' CMVs Operating in Ontario
  • 07/2017 - U.S. Carriers' CMVs Operating in Quebec
  • 12/2014 - Driver Vehicle Inspection Report Requirement
• Reciprocity and Recognition of United States and Canadian Commercial Drivers Licenses 
• Guidance for Motor Carriers
  • Traveling Between the U.S. and Canada? (English version)
  • Vous voyagez entre les Etats-Unis et le Canada? (French version)

Entering Mexico

• Operations in Mexico (Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes/ Dirección General de Autotransporte Federal) - English language version

Entering the United States

• Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse
  • User Roles Card (English - Español)
  • Clearinghouse Factsheet (English - Español)
  • Query Plan Factsheet (English - Español)

• Removal of Operating Prohibition for Commercial Drivers with Insulin Treated Diabetes Mellitus

• Prohibition Against Engaging in US Domestic Freight Operations
  • Customs and Border Protection regulation (19 CFR Sec. 123.14(c))
  • Driver and Vehicle Restrictions on Cross-Border Operations (Department of Homeland Security)

• Periodic Inspection Comparability
  • 05/2016 - Canadian and Mexican periodic inspection programs considered comparable to US periodic inspection program

• Operations Solely within Border Zones

  • Commercial Zones and Municipalities Defined in 49 CFR Part 372
  • Commercial Zone Authority Application via the Unified Registration System

• Operations Nationwide (Long-Haul Authority)

  • Application for Mexico-domiciled carriers for operations beyond the border zones (Spanish-language version)
  • Lease and interchange of vehicles by Mexico domiciled motor carriers - Notice of applicability

• North American Standard Inspection (NASI) information

  • Brochure: Understanding the NASI Program English – Spanish - French
  • Video: North American Standard Level I Inspection English – Spanish
  • Visor Card: Are you Ready for a Vehicle and/or Driver Inspection? (English/Spanish/French/Chinese/Korean)
  • Brochure: Air Brake Pushrod Stroke – Why it is so important? English - Spanish

United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)

• USMCA Text
• USMCA Implementation Act

Law Enforcement Resources

• CMV Inspector Visor Card - Mexico Long-Haul Carrier
• Law Enforcement Visor Card - Mexico Long-Haul Carrier
• Commercial Motor Vehicle Awareness Training 
• Verifying a Carrier's Operating Authority 

Rules & Regulations

• News Release: DOT Sets Safety Requirements for Mexico-based Trucks and Buses in United States
• Memorandum of Technical Cooperation Between The United States of America Department of Transportation and the United Mexican States Secretaría De Comunicaciones Y Transportes Relating to On-Site Motor Carrier Assessment Protocols [Español]