Dive Brief:

• As a result of a new Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) training program, Mexican transport truck drivers are receiving far fewer safety violations when passing into Arizona, Transport Topics reported last week.
• ADOT inspectors now travel to Mexico to train commercial truck drivers to reduce potential crossing time complications and improve safety at state of Arizona ports of entry. Eight training sessions have been held with more scheduled, including three in February alone. The ultimate goal is to train 720 drivers and mechanics.
• Courses are 16 hours long, and include training on the the best methods of securing proper permits, weight limits, inspection procedures, breaks and securing loads of all types. In addition, drivers are able to get advance warning for border wait times as well as communicate directly with inspectors if they have concerns about their vehicles. 

Dive Insight:

As the first of its kind, ADOT's driver training course alleviates stress on drivers and improves ease of supply chain transit.

Although current driver shortages and high rates are typical for January, February numbers will reveal more about the real state of the freight transport industry.

In the meantime, cross-border e-commerce is growing at an ever increasing rate. And while air cargo transport may be growing as a result, shortages in pilot availability are also present, meaning there's no real remedy for transport shortages in general.

This is why the new driver training course established between Mexico and Arizona makes so much sense. Mexican drivers faced with persistent delays and violations are unlikely to remain willing to make the drive to Arizona when consistently met with frustration.

Manufacturers and buyers along the supply chain are dependent on their efforts to keep goods flowing at a healthy pace, particularly because the amount of goods is ever-expanding.

Further, increasing communication and establishing good rapport between drivers and the inspectors at the most popular entry ports of Douglas, Nogales and San Luis further reduces the number of delays and creates a known path drivers can feel secure traversing.

Building good relationships with supply chain neighbors is a positive strategy for ensuring a successful multi-country supply chain.