An initial plan to restart a version of the cross-border trucking program has moved through the first step and is now heading to Capitol Hill for review according to the Washington Times.
It’s about time. Right after Congress and President Obama officially stopped funding the pilot program - essentially killing it – the administration has said it would put together a new program for Congressional review. That was in March.
Since that time, Mexico has slapped more than $2 billion in tariffs on U.S. goods heading into that country. Whatever you thought about the program, the fact is U.S. businesses are being hurt by the tariffs. A solution needs to happen and happen soon.
According to the Times article, the California apricot industry has fallen off 60% since a 45% tariff went into effect and Mary Kay Cosmetics is paying $450,000 a month in tariff-related charges.
There were no details as to what a new program would look like, but the American Trucking Assns., the Teamsters and others had their say recently with Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
Here’s hoping that a new program is in place soon.
