Supply Chain Hit along the US Mexico Border: Visas for Mexican Truck Drivers Revoked

Hundreds of visas for Mexican drivers have been revoked in the past few days across the US Mexico border. A clear mandate from the Secretary of State has led enforcement efforts to escalate on all different federal regulations and a big focus has been placed on cabotage rules. Apparently, drivers are being scrutinized for past violations that can go back as long as three years. Just to point out another violation which is also a reason for revocation: If your drivers have B-1 visas, they are not allowed to cross to the US without their truck and/or for other unrelated business activities.

 

The Chamber has requested additional guidelines from CBP since it has been noted that some agencies are applying a "24 hour rule" to consider cabotage, which should not be the case. Under USMCA and U.S. customs law (19 CFR § 123.14(c)(1)), there is a recognized exception called "incidental to international traffic." This allows a B1 driver to make certain domestic movements within the U.S. provided that movement is directly tied to an immediately preceding or subsequent international trip. Examples of permissible activity under this doctrine include:

 

• Delivering an international shipment from Mexico to one or more U.S. locations along the route

• Returning empty or picking up a load bound for Mexico as part of the same trip

 

The key is that the driver's overall movement remains tied to the international transaction not a separate domestic point-to-point haul. A driver who crosses from Mexico, delivers in Dallas, and then picks up a return load to Mexico is operating legally even if the round trip spans more than 24 hours. Time spent in the U.S. as part of a continuous international movement should not automatically be treated as a cabotage violation.

 

If a visa for one of your drivers was revoked for a reason that does not entail a current OR past violation, you can re-apply for the visa and explain the situation to the visa officer, when they are being interviewed.

 

Please ensure that your Mexican truck drivers are well informed and have documentation proving they are not violating any cabotage rule. If questioned when crossing the border, ensure they can respond and explain their route in detail. Finally, drivers are being asked to sign a declaration when crossing the border IF they have committed cabotage. It is very important that you inform your drivers and provide them with the correct documentation of the international freight they are carrying.

 

Enclosed is a CBP Cabotage Violation Alert that was sent in May 2025, which for now can probably be used as a reference for all, while we receive additional guidance from CBP, which we have requested.

 

Expect delays and increased pricing in trucking services since there will be a shortage of truck drivers across the US Mexican border and if possible, please support the hundreds of Mexican drivers, who have lost their visas.