U.S Carriers Illegally Hiring Mexican Truck Drivers
A South Texas trucking company owner, who wished to remain anonymous (call him Gerry Reed), is fighting for survival. Other companies are using a loophole in visa rules to undercut him.
B-1 visas are for business visitors. Mexican truck drivers with these visas can legally pick up loads in Mexico and deliver them to the U.S. They can't, however, haul goods within the U.S.
Some U.S. companies are setting up shop in Mexico, hiring Mexican drivers with B-1 visas, and then using them to deliver loads across the U.S. This is illegal, but allows these companies to offer much cheaper rates.
Reed says this hurts everyone. U.S. truckers lose jobs because companies can pay the B-1 visa drivers less. It also hurts Mexican trucking companies who can't compete with the higher wages offered in the U.S.
This practice is becoming more common, according to Reed. U.S. companies are setting up fake Mexican companies to employ B-1 visa drivers.
The problem isn't limited to Texas. Truck drivers from other border states are reporting similar issues. Even Mexico's trucking industry is suffering a driver shortage because their best drivers are heading to the U.S. for better pay and safer working conditions.