Borderlands Mexico: US trucking crackdown raises concerns over freight disruptions 

Representatives from the American Trucking Associations (ATA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Werner Enterprises and CANACAR discussed increased scrutiny of cabotage violations, B-1 visas, English-language proficiency requirements and commercial driver qualifications.

While participants generally supported stronger enforcement, several cautioned that inconsistent application of the rules could create delays, restrict driver availability and complicate freight movement between the United States and Mexico.

U.S. trucking executives back tougher enforcement

Derek Leathers, chairman and CEO of Werner Enterprises, said stronger enforcement is necessary to prevent foreign drivers from illegally transporting domestic freight within the U.S.

Under federal cabotage restrictions, foreign drivers may transport qualifying international shipments into and out of the United States but generally cannot haul domestic freight between two U.S. locations.

Leathers supported federal efforts to address the misuse of B-1 business visitor visas by drivers performing unauthorized domestic trucking operations.

He also welcomed increased enforcement by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) of English-language proficiency requirements, emphasizing the importance of drivers being able to communicate with law enforcement and other personnel while operating in the U.S.

The Trump administration has intensified enforcement of English-language proficiency standards for commercial drivers, alongside efforts to tighten oversight of driver licensing and training.

Leathers’ comments reflect growing support among U.S. trucking executives for stricter enforcement against carriers and drivers operating outside federal requirements.

However, the discussions also highlighted concerns that increased scrutiny could affect compliant Mexican carriers engaged in legitimate international freight transportation.

ATA economist calls for fair enforcement

ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello emphasized the need for consistent and proportionate enforcement, particularly as cross-border freight activity continues to recover.

Costello said North American cross-border trade rebounded in 2026 following a slight decline in 2025, underscoring the importance of maintaining efficient transportation links between the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

According to Mexican transportation publication Revista Transportes y Turismo, Costello also raised concerns that some U.S. enforcement personnel may not fully understand the complexities of cabotage regulations.

The potential for inconsistent interpretations could create uncertainty for Mexican carriers operating legally in the U.S.

Costello called for continued cooperation among transportation associations, regulators and industry representatives to ensure that enforcement efforts target violations without unnecessarily disrupting legitimate freight movements.

Mexican carriers warn of border delays

CANACAR President Augusto Ramos Melo acknowledged the importance of combating illegal cabotage but warned that intensified border enforcement could create additional delays and operational challenges for Mexican trucking companies.

Ramos called for closer coordination among transportation companies, customs officials and other supply chain participants to improve border efficiency.

His concerns come as Mexican carriers navigate tighter scrutiny of driver documentation, visa eligibility and compliance with U.S. transportation regulations.

For carriers operating across the southern border, additional inspections and documentation requirements can complicate driver scheduling, equipment positioning and delivery times.

Martin Rojas, IRU’s senior adviser for the Americas, moderated the discussions and emphasized the importance of balancing regulatory enforcement with the need to maintain an adequate supply of qualified drivers.

The discussions highlighted the challenge facing policymakers: strengthening compliance without undermining the transportation capacity needed to support North American trade.

CBP outlines new border initiatives

Liliana Flores, CBP’s port director at Del Rio, Texas, said the agency is working to improve how it processes trade information while expanding initiatives aimed at strengthening cargo security, according to Revista Transportes y Turismo.

Flores discussed developments involving the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT), a voluntary public-private partnership designed to strengthen international supply chain security.

Flores encouraged Mexican trucking companies to participate in CTPAT and CBP’s Electronic Export Manifest pilot program.

The pilot’s testing period is scheduled to conclude Oct. 23, with information collected during the program intended to help CBP refine its systems ahead of broader implementation.

The initiatives are intended to improve security and the exchange of shipment information, although carriers continue to face increased scrutiny of cross-border operations.

Visa requirements and driver shortages

The second panel examined how regulatory changes are affecting drivers and transportation companies.

Justen Thomas, a representative of the U.S. Consulate General, advised drivers applying for or renewing B-1 visas to prepare thoroughly for consular interviews.

Thomas said English-language proficiency is among several factors that can influence visa decisions.

B-1 visas are commonly used by eligible Mexican commercial drivers transporting international freight into the United States. However, those visas do not authorize drivers to perform domestic cabotage operations.

IRU Goods Transport Council President Iro Doumani offered a European perspective, describing how coordinated regulatory systems and digitalization can help balance enforcement with efficient international freight transportation.

Doumani also noted that driver shortages remain a challenge for transportation operators, even in regions with more integrated cross-border systems.

The panelists agreed that closer cooperation among regulators, customs agencies and trucking companies would be necessary to maintain efficient freight movement while strengthening compliance.

M2 Global Logistics launches in Houston with 830,000-square-foot facility

Meiborg Companies and Morales Capital Group have partnered to launch M2 Global Logistics, a new third-party logistics provider anchored by an 830,000-square-foot industrial campus near downtown Houston.

The companies announced the venture Thursday, saying the new logistics platform will combine Meiborg’s trucking and warehousing operations with Morales Capital Group’s international trade and investment capabilities.

The 27-acre Houston campus will provide access to major freight corridors, intermodal hubs and port connections. The facility is expected to begin operations in the coming months, with additional market expansion planned.

“This partnership evolves a proven regional operation into a truly global 3PL brand,” said Zach Meiborg, CEO of Meiborg Companies, in a statement.

Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Rockford, Illinois, Meiborg operates more than 550 trucks and manages over 4 million square feet of warehouse space across Illinois and Texas.

M2 Global Logistics plans to offer domestic trucking, international freight services, customs-related logistics, warehousing, fulfillment and distribution under one platform.

The new company will be led by Zach Meiborg, Nick Gibbons and James Cooper, alongside executives from Morales Capital Group.

Cutter & Buck opens new distribution center in Texas

Apparel company Cutter & Buck has opened a new distribution center in Grand Prairie, Texas, expanding its fulfillment network to better serve customers across the central and southern U.S.

The facility, which opened Oct. 7, is the company’s fourth distribution center in North America and will stock sportswear from Cutter & Buck, Clique and Craft, according to a company announcement.

Located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, the distribution center will provide additional inventory capacity and support faster order fulfillment for customers nationwide.

The facility offers weekday UPS and FedEx pickups, along with local customer pickup services and the company’s Share Ship order fulfillment program.

Cutter & Buck also plans to introduce in-house embroidery and heat-transfer services at the facility during the first quarter of 2027. The company said the operation is currently undergoing testing, with capacity expected to increase over the coming months.

Why it matters: Stricter trucking enforcement could complicate driver availability and border operations, adding uncertainty for carriers and shippers moving freight between the United States and Mexico.

More FreightWaves articles by Noi Mahoney:

• Mexico trucker shortages, visa restrictions squeeze cross-border capacity
• Texas trucking firm sued over age limits on drivers
• New Jersey CDL school lawsuit questions evidence behind FMCSA shutdown
• R&R trucking CEO reports $12.7M in assets after company collapse