On November 14, NASSTRAC joined 100 industry associations to encourage the Trump Administration not to make major changes to the trucking-related provisions in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Negotiators from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico are currently meeting in Mexico City for the fifth round of negotiations to update the 23-year-old trade agreement.

The letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer emphasizes the economic benefits that are generated for U.S. businesses and consumers by the current trucking provisions in NAFTA. In particular, the ability of carriers to cross the border and travel into the U.S. to make deliveries does not create an open door for trucking competition. Existing rules still prohibit Mexican or Canadian carriers from picking up freight within the U.S. for delivery in the U.S. Rather, allowing those carriers to drive beyond the national border increases the efficiency of the border crossings and allows more commerce and travel to occur without impediment.

NAFTA renegotiation is an opportunity for the U.S. to continue modernizing its trade practices and ensuring long-term competitiveness and economic growth. Many NASSTRAC and TIA members work in cross-border freight, and we are closely monitoring all issues related to the renegotiation of NAFTA and other free trade agreements.