From the Director: Success means safer roads and expanding economy

By John Halikowski / ADOT Director

The Arizona Department of Transportation’s Enforcement and Compliance Division is celebrating the first year of training Mexican truck drivers and mechanics. This effort has resulted in safer Arizona roads and a boost to the state’s economy. Our International Border Inspection Qualification (IBIQ) program has made a dramatic difference in the number of violations found during safety inspections, number of trucks pulled off the roads for significant repairs and the amount of time drivers spend waiting at the border before they can deliver their products to U.S. markets.

This collaboration with the Mexican trucking industry makes crossing the border safer to everyone. It also supports the growth of Arizona’s economy and makes crossing the border more efficient for commercial trucking. The dramatic improvements we have seen in just one year show the commitment of our officers and the trucking community to this important program.

Our training program follows Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance guidelines which are the standard for commercial motor vehicles across the U.S. Through this training, Mexican truck drivers and mechanics learn about safety regulations they must follow to drive on U.S. roads.

Here is just a snapshot of the success we have achieved so far:

• More than 400 drivers have taken the program
• Achieved a 97 percent exam passing rate
• Offered 16 two-day training presentations
• Calculated more than 5,200 border crossings
• Recorded 141 violations
• Removed 11 vehicles from service for significant safety concerns

In addition, drivers who have completed and passed written and field exams are able to communicate with inspectors using WhatsApp. This new process has been used 118 times. It allows drivers to ask questions and make repairs before approaching the border, saving time and money. By embracing the principles behind Governor Ducey’s Arizona Management System initiative, our employees have found ways to add value to the services we offer our customers.

I commend our ECD officers and training staff for making our IBIQ program such a success in the first year of operation. We are indeed making sure commercial truck traffic is safe on our roads while ensuring Arizona’s economy continues to expand into the future.

This post originally appeared on ADOT Director John Halikowski's
LinkedIn page. He has led the agency since 2009.