English proficiency requirement for Mexican rail crews at border

The English proficiency requirement for Mexican rail crews is set to be enforced for trains running across the U.S.-Mexico border, after federal inspections raised safety concerns.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the action on Dec. 19. That same day, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) sent letters to CPKC and Union Pacific Railroad tied to the inspection findings, as described in a U.S. Department of Transportation press release.

FRA inspections along the U.S.-Mexico border

In the U.S. Department of Transportation press release, the FRA says inspectors conducting routine checks this fall encountered inbound crews that appeared to have difficulty interpreting general track bulletins—temporary notices describing track conditions that can affect operations. Inspectors also reported that some crew members had trouble communicating about safety requirements when questioned.

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Hazardous materials and consist information issues

The FRA said the inspections also surfaced problems involving hazardous materials documentation. Inspectors found one inbound CPKC train with inconsistent information about the hazardous materials it was hauling. The agency also reported instances where the transfer of consist information between Union Pacific and the Mexican carrier Ferromex was incomplete, as reported by Progressive Railroading.

What the English language proficiency rule changes?

Railroads are required under federal regulation to certify that locomotive engineers and conductors have the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to operate safely in the United States. Under the enforcement approach described by officials, English language proficiency will now be included as a necessary ability for cross-border operations.

FRA Administrator David Fink said in the press release that train crew operators who can’t speak English pose a significant safety risk. He added that dispatchers and first responders need to know they can communicate with train crews, especially during times of emergency—an issue also discussed by Railway Supply.

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