A cross-border trucker convoy will be making its way through parts of West Texas on Monday, bringing attention to various issues faced by truckers in both Mexico and the United States. The convoy is a joint effort between the U.S.-based Truckers Movement for Justice (TMJ), Mexico-based United Mexican Carriers (TAMEXUN), and the Binational Carriers Union (STB.
The convoy will consist of about 75 truckers from both sides of the border, traveling a 150-mile route from Odessa, Texas, through Kermit and Monahans, Texas. The goal is to highlight issues such as violence against drivers, low wages, and poor working conditions in both countries.
Billy Randel, founder of TMJ, explained that the three organizations are fighting for truckers’ rights to organize and negotiate collectively with trucking companies. He said they seek “respect” and “justice” from the trucking industry and want government action or changes within the industry. Jazmin Lovos, a member of TMJ, emphasized that truck drivers carry “the backs of the world on us.
The majority of drivers participating in the Texas protest are owner-operators working in the oilfields of West Texas or Mexico-based B1 visa drivers hauling goods into the U.S. Across the border, Mexican truck drivers face hijackings, theft, low wages, and a lack of adequate facilities such as restrooms and rest areas.
Truck driver salaries in Mexico averaged $4,400 in 2022. Manuel Mendoza, president of TAMEXUN, said that truck drivers keep the economies of both countries moving but make very little money. The joint convoy aims to raise awareness about these issues and work towards improving working conditions for truck drivers in both Mexico and the United States.
