Six months into a pilot program to allow Mexican truck drivers to deliver cargo anywhere in the United States, just 60 Mexican companies have been granted permits - for only 66 trucks. For truckers, the program is made unattractive by the lack of cargo for the return trip, coupled with rising fuel prices. Company owners are afraid of making a hefty investment to join a program whose permanence is still in doubt, and all are worried about changing emissions regulations in California, which could bar many Mexican trucks from entry. On the US side, the program has been under attack by truckers unions and Congress members, who cite safety concerns and question if the Department of Transportation truly tests Mexican truckers for English proficiency. Alonso Rivera and Mariana Martínez file this report.

Back to Newscast for Wednesday, April 30, 2008