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U.S. Imposes Immediate Limits on Mexican Train Crews Operating Across the Border

The move follows inspections that found Mexican crews struggled to convey safety requirements in English.

Overview

  • The Federal Railroad Administration set a 10‑mile inland cap for Mexican crews, required CBP stops for non‑certified crews, and mandated FRA‑certified interpreters.
  • Formal letters to Union Pacific and CPKC detailed inspection findings and new operating conditions after checks at UP’s Eagle Pass yard and CPKC’s Laredo facility.
  • FRA administrator David Fink warned of additional enforcement if inspectors find further English‑competency violations, with restrictions staying in place pending re‑inspections.
  • Union Pacific and CPKC said they will work to comply and emphasized safety, while the BLET and SMART‑TD unions praised the action.
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy tied the action to a broader English‑proficiency push, as analysts flagged likely near‑term slowdowns and border‑area crew changes or accelerated certification.