Border conflict: owner operators criticize DOT pilot program to allow Mexican trucks on U.S. roads.(Department of Transportation, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association of America)

Independent truckers are marshalling opposition to soon-to-be-released Department of Transportation plans to give Mexican trucks greater access to U.S. highways.

The Owner-Operator Independent Driver Association told the International Trade Commission that giving Mexican truckers unrestricted access to the United States would hurt the U.S. economy and specifically independent truckers.

"The net effect of admission of Mexican trucks into the U.S. market-place would undoubtedly be negative," said Todd Spencer, the OOIDA's executive vice president, in a letter to the ITC. "The supposed benefits to consumers from speculative reductions in shipping rates would be offset by the societal costs …