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U.S. May Reopen Roads to Mexican Trucks by June, LaHood Says
Federal Stimulus Plan Helping to Create Jobs, Secretary Says
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said the United States could reopen its roads to Mexican trucks as soon as next month, Bloomberg reported.
Speaking at a luncheon at the National Press Club in Washington, LaHood said that Mexico’s levying of billions in tariff’s in response to Congress’ decision to bar the vehicles has put a huge burden on American producers, Bloomberg reported.
The secretary also said that federal stimulus money is helping to create jobs and economic recovery, and that DOT has not yet made a decision on whether to back an increase in federal truck weight limits.
DOT set up a pilot program in 2007 under the Bush administration to allow a limited number of Mexican trucks beyond a border zone, and LaHood said he will bring up the issue to Congress after lawmakers return from next week’s recess, Bloomberg reported.
In March, Mexico applied about $2.4 billion in tariffs on 90 U.S. products in retaliation for the U.S. suspending the program. (Click here for previous coverage.)
By Transport Topics