And he dead on right about this issue. Jorge just doesn't give a damn.
It will take an accident involving a school bus full of kids to stop this crap.
Where are the environmentalists on this one?
” Given all of this, it begs the question — for whom and why? The most honest answer I’ve seen came from Janet Kavinoky, director of Transportation Infrastructure for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce: “It’s high time the program gets going, there is substantial money to be saved by American companies.”
And that’s what all the so-called free trade and free market push is about: making more money for US corporations by giving the access to the lowest possible labor costs, port facility costs (in Mexico) and now the lowest possible truck driver costs.
Then there’s this little matter of insurance. What happens when one of these Mexicanos has a wreck?
Whomever shall ye sue?
“Consider this — to get a commercial drivers license in the U.S. an applicant must pass six tests: written exam, driving skills test, physical exam, drug test, criminal background check, and personal driving background check If the applicant fails either background check — no license.”
He makes it sound harder to get a CDL than it actually is.
There is no criminal background check required for a CDL, but there is one for a hazmat endorsement.
The “personal driving background” check refered to would only mean the that the individual has a valid driver’s license (no current suspensions, revocations etc.)
The physical exam and drug test referred to are both pretty limited in scope, for example the pre-employment test is a 5 panel test, covering only marijuana, cocaine, PCP, opiates and amphetamines/methamphetamines. Lots of illegal/controlled substances that are not tested for.
The physical exam is not in-depth, basically just checks eyesight, hearing, blood pressure, general physical condition and has limited lab tests on urine for sugar and specific gravity. Drivers must pass this physical at least once every two years.
The written exam and driving skills tests are not difficult, most people pass these as they are finishing their truck driving school.
What about Mexico? They're better today than five years ago but don't come close to the U.S. standards. They have no data base to track driving records; no lab certified to do drug tests; and even license issuing has caused considerable suspicion.
Either we think the U.S. restrictions are important and worthwhile, or we don't. If they are not, the solution should be to eliminate them and/or scale them back, not bypass the process by allowing foreigners and transnationals to operate with fewer restrictions.
The same goes for Prescription Drugs and the FDA, and any other number of subjects.