Action
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM); request for comments.
Summary
The FMCSA proposes to revise its regulations and form that relate to the issuance of Certificates of Registration to any Mexican- domiciled motor carrier (of property) that wants to operate only in U.S. municipalities and commercial zones adjacent to Mexico in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, or California. The notice also proposes a change to FMCSA's regulations governing financial responsibility of motor carriers to accurately reflect the requirements placed on these Mexican motor carriers. Other carriers that currently hold or may want to apply for a Certificate of Registration would now apply under separate FMCSA regulations. These revisions are part of our implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) entry provisions. The proposed changes would ensure that we receive adequate information to assess an applicant's safety program and its ability to comply with U.S. safety standards before it is registered to operate in the U.S. They would also enable us to maintain an accurate census of registered carriers. In addition, we would update the regulations as needed to reflect the transfer of motor carrier regulatory functions from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to FMCSA.