Summary

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO provided information on the difference in wages received by U.S. and Mexican commercial vehicle operators. GAO found that: (1) data on Mexican driver wages are scarce because Mexico is just beginning to collect data on intercity motor vehicle operations; (2) comparisons between U.S. and Mexican drivers' wage rates are difficult because Mexican drivers are compensated in several different ways; (3) Mexican wages vary geographically, with wages being the highest near the U.S.-Mexican border; (4) available information suggests that Mexican drivers near the border are paid about one-half of what U.S. drivers earn, but their fringe benefits are comparable to U.S. drivers' fringe benefits; and (5) Mexican trucking companies' lower wage rates are somewhat offset by higher capital and maintenance costs.