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Federal regulators are moving to impose stricter language standards on Mexican train crews operating freight trains into the United States, citing safety concerns and labor protections. The Trump administration unveiled the proposed rule Friday through the Federal Railroad Administration, requiring crews to demonstrate English proficiency and restricting Mexican operators to within 10 miles of the border during U.S. operations.
The measure targets Union Pacific and CPKC, two major carriers that employ Mexican crews for cross-border freight operations. Last fall, federal inspectors documented widespread communication gaps at Union Pacific’s Eagle Pass facility and CPKC’s Laredo yard, where workers struggled to comprehend operating bulletins and hazardous materials protocols mandated in English.
Both railroads pledged compliance after December letters from federal inspectors, but the administration determined existing standards required strengthening. Officials emphasized that crews must communicate clearly with dispatchers and emergency responders during crises, defining language capability as essential to safe rail operations.
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and the SMART-TD union backed the proposal, citing longstanding safety and employment concerns. Mark Wallace, national president of the locomotive engineers union, highlighted risks such as derailments stemming from language barriers, while SMART-TD emphasized that new certification requirements will ensure engineers can operate trains without relying on automated systems.
Union Pacific and CPKC did not immediately respond to the announcement. The Association of American Railroads declined comment pending review of the rule.
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