Department of Transportation Inspector General Kenneth M. Mead told the Senate Commerce Committee in late June that pending completion of operational details, the U.S. border would be open to Mexican truckers by midsummer.

DOT still needs to hire more inspectors, build more inspection facilities, gain better electronic access for inspectors to U.S. and Mexican databases, and complete development of the safety monitoring system for Mexican carriers.

In addition, federal and state inspectors at border crossings and at border mobile enforcement units need access to U.S. and Mexican databases to check CDLs, vehicle registrations, insurance and operating authority.

DOT Secretary Norman Mineta also testified: "I must…determine if I can certify that opening the border does not pose an unacceptable safety risk. Only after this certification is make and the president lifts the moratorium, will Mexico-domiciled motor carriers be allowed to operate outside the commercial zones."

Since May 3, 2002, only 40 Mexican carriers have sought applications for permission to drive beyond the commercial zones. According to FMCSA figures, 26 carriers intend to operate a total of 118 long-haul commercial vehicles.