As owner of a small trucking company, let me add my (2) cents about this event.
The trucks from Canada meet our dot requirements for safety. The trucks from Mexico will not and cannot. When they cross that border and the Texas and California DOT inspectors get a hold of them, they will not be able to afford to come across. It costs and arm and a leg to go to CA and with the new law going into effect in CA on idling, it only gets worst.
As far as drivers, some have been here. The reg's says you must speak English and most do not.
The trucking industry has a shortage of drivers and it is going to get worst because of the retirement of baby boomers. Right now, it is not bad because of the over buy of 2006 trucks and the economy is in the toilet. Do not believe what the politicians tell you, I haul the stuff.
The effect of the drivers from Mexico will be the same as the effect on the UAW workers. Except the trucking industry does not have to move it's plants to Mexico, the workplace is on wheels.
In 2002, our drivers made $ 38k. Last year, the average was $ 60K. There pay is based on what the mega carriers pay and the mega carriers are licking their chops over this. Pay will be going down. I estimate it to drop to $ 40k a year by the end of 2008. It is called supply and demand, more drivers in the pool, the rates go down. More trucks on the road, the rates go down.
There will be major accidents with these drivers. Last year, a foreign driver ran into stop cars in a construction zone on I 15 in Las Vegas and killed (6). He had faulty brakes and no maint records. The government is exchanging lower shipping costs for American lives. Be it here or in Iraq.
Mr. Clinton brought you NFTA. The UAW, know the number of jobs lost to NFTA. Only the Congressman from Ohio (Cleveland) now running for President has called for the repeal of NFTA. Now, the teamsters union will get the same treatment as the UAW. Nice going George.
Also, the trucks from Mexico can do door to door delivery of drugs and illegals. Just watch the flow of drugs increase and end up in our schools.
Maybe, it time for us to go to Mexico. In 20 years, Mexico will be an empty country. We, the workingman, might have a chance there. All the mexicans will be here. Have you notice how many US citizens are trying to go there. Thanks George.
Bill Davis, President
DS Transport, Inc
A Ravenna based company since 1993.