Motor carriers whose principal place of business is in Mexico have two choices for conducting motor carrier operations in the United States.
- Commercial zone carriers operate only in designated municipalities and their commercial zones along the southern U.S. border.
- Long-haul carriers may operate throughout the continental United States, including the designated municipalities and their associated commercial zones along the southern U.S. border.
Regulations Covering Mexico-Domiciled Carrier Operations
| | Commercial Zone | Long-Haul |
| Application Submission and Review Process | 49 CFR 368
Application for a Certificate of Registration to Operate in Municipalities in the United States on the United States–Mexico International Border or within the Commercial Zones of Such Municipalities | 49 CFR 365, Subpart E
Special Rules for Certain Mexico-domiciled Carriers |
| Safety Audit | 49 CFR 385, Subpart B, Appendix A
Explanation of Safety Audit Evaluation Criteria | 49 CFR 365, Subpart E, Appendix A
Explanation of Pre-Authorization Safety Audit Evaluation Criteria for Mexico-domiciled Motor Carriers |
| Financial Responsibility | 49 CFR 387
Minimum Levels of Financial Responsibility for Motor Carriers | 49 CFR 387
Minimum Levels of Financial Responsibility for Motor Carriers |