The first auditors to complete the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s border auditors course graduated last month. The 16 graduates will join other FMCSA auditors in conducting safety audits of Mexico-domiciled motor carriers and roadside inspections on commercial motor vehicles. The training program is part of the Department of Transportation’s effort to open the border to Mexican trucks as required by NAFTA.
The Department of Transportation funding law enacted in December established three categories of personnel to ensure the safe operation of commercial vehicles at the border: safety inspector, safety auditor and safety investigator.
Safety inspectors will inspect commercial motor vehicles to ensure compliance with the federal motor carrier safety regs. Safety auditors will conduct safety reviews of Mexico-domiciled carriers and are trained to perform vehicle inspections. Safety reviews include vehicle inspections, interviews with carrier officials and verification of safety management programs, vehicle inspection and maintenance, drug and alcohol testing programs, driver qualifications and financial responsibility. Safety investigators will conduct compliance reviews on Mexico-domiciled carriers to ensure they operate safely and are trained to conduct safety audits and vehicle inspections.
