MEXICANS' TRUCKS DEBATE * USA - Truckers Worry Mexican Carriers Could Avoid Taxes

Washington,DC,USA -The Springdale Morning News (Springdale,AR), by Aaron Sadler -March 12, 2008: -- Bush administration officials sparred with lawmakers Tuesday over a program to allow Mexican truck drivers in the U.S., amid new concern the foreign truckers may be tax scofflaws in Arkansas and elsewhere... The head of the Arkansas trucking lobby said the state has few means to account for Mexican trucks and assess taxes. That gives Mexican carriers an economic advantage, said Lane Kidd, president of the Arkansas Trucking Association... A U.S. Department of Transportation official disputed that, saying Mexican truckers who participate in the pilot program must follow the same tax and registration guidelines as their American counterparts... "Mexican safety standards are not on par with American regulations, opponents said. For instance, no central registry exists in Mexico for driver licensing, accident reports and vehicle inspections", according to Sen. Dorgan...


* Truckers' language rules unclear - Mexican drivers also can answer in Spanish

Washington,DC,USA -The San Diego Union Tribune (San Diego,CAL), by Paul M. Krawzak -March 12, 2008: -- Mexican truck drivers allowed to travel throughout the United States under the auspices of a pilot program are first required by law to demonstrate proficiency with the English language... But U.S. Department of Transportation regulations allow those drivers to use a language other than English when responding to questions to prove they recognize U.S. highway signs, according to testimony yesterday at a Senate hearing... The apparent disparity between the legal requirement and the specific regulation drew a skeptical reaction from Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D... (Getty Images: Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said U.S. inspectors determine the English proficiency of Mexican drivers. )