Overview
- Letters to Union Pacific and CPKC restrict Mexico‑based crews to no more than 10 miles past the border, require uncertified crews to stop at customs, and mandate certified interpreters.
- Focused inspections at Union Pacific’s Eagle Pass yard and CPKC’s Laredo facility found difficulties with operating bulletins and English communication, including requirements tied to hazardous materials documents.
- FRA Administrator David Fink warned the railroads of potential enforcement if additional crews operate in the U.S. without sufficient English proficiency.
- Union Pacific and CPKC said they will comply, with CPKC noting its international crews already stay within 10 miles and Union Pacific highlighting operational handoffs at its Eagle Pass yard about 7 miles inside the border.
- Rail unions including BLET and SMART‑TD praised the action, which extends a USDOT crackdown that has included withholding $40 million from California over English‑proficiency enforcement for commercial drivers.