August 31, 2007

Subject: Back Hauling in Long Haul Trucking

Description: Back Hauling is the process whereby large trucking companies decrease

operational cost per mile by coordinating transport of other material on return trips.

Example: Eighteen wheeler leaves Florida hauling produce with a Seattle Safeway

destination. Hauler unloads and would ordinarily drive back to Florida

empty. This is costly so the trucking company plans ahead by scheduling a pickup in Seattle of Apples for a return to Florida. Now loaded with apples this truck is hauling freight both ways. This is normal operation in trucking.

Note – The International Commerce Commission regulates trucking and forbids backhauling of hazardous, toxic or contaminated cargo to be “back hauled” on the same truck that hauls consumables for humans. Some companies have violated this in the past and it is seldom enforced. Most reputable companies have policy against this dangerous procedure and enforces it internally. Financial culpability precludes violation.

Problem: Mexican Trucks on the other hand which are scheduled to start hauling coast to coast in a

few days must observe this practice only while they are on American roadways

but do not while in Latin America and Mexico. This means that Mexican

trucks are going to be using trailers that have long been impregnated with

the most hazardous, toxic materials including contaminated medical refuse, pesticide and herbicide residue, animal carcasses, waste products and even depleted nuclear material. They will use the contaminated floors of these trailers to haul their biggest export to Americans – PRODUCE.

Unfortunately in the next few weeks this practice starts in America. Mexican trucks will have unfettered access to hauling every type of cargo imaginable throughout our Nation.

We will have no way of stopping them from using toxic and hazardous waste contaminated trailers from delivering everything from lettuce to bananas to our tables.

We need to contact our congress and the President and ask them to stop these trucks at the border until properly inspected and call for inspections each time they cross our border with produce destined for America. This is NOT something to be left to the honor system.

Some of our Senators and Representatives are trying to restrict access to American roads to Mexican trucking. Please contact them and offer to help. //ji