New requirements for drivers entering Canada, the U.S., and Mexico

Posted January 26, 2022

In Business, Cadena de suministro, Freight, Supply chain & Logistics, Supply chain & Logistics, Transporte de Carga

Learn more about the latest requirements for drivers that move between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Each country in North America has different procedures for the drivers that enter the territory. In the last month, the U.S. and Canadian governments have imposed severe measures that have provoked demonstrations against them and have taken at least 16,000 drivers off the road, according to the Canadian Trucking Association.

Let’s take a closer look at the new requirements:

Canada: proof of vaccination at the border

Since January 15, the Canadian Border Services started asking Canadian and American truckers for their proof of vaccination, refusing access to the country to those unvaccinated or partially-vaccinated.

Canadian drivers without at least two doses of a Health Canada-approved Covid-19 vaccine have been ordered to quarantine and face tests.

Even when logistics companies were aware of these measures since last November, these vaccine mandates in the U.S.-Canada border have motivated truckers to demonstrate their displeasure by lining up their vehicles at the international crossing.

50-60% of U.S. truckers are vaccinated, while 90% of Canadian truckers already have at least two doses of the vaccine.

Source: American Trucking Association and Canadian Trucking Association.

The U.S.: drivers must comply with vaccine mandate

The U.S. restrictions on being fully vaccinated to enter the country apply to all non-U.S. individuals who are traveling for both essential and non-essential reasons. Previously, truck drivers had been exempted as essential service providers, but after January 22, they must show proof of inoculation to enter the country.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, established that to be fully vaccinated, drivers must have at least two doses of a vaccine two weeks before their entry to the U.S., or one dose of a vaccine that only requires a single dose, such as the Johnson & Johnson. There is no testing requirement, however, those who have symptoms may be referred to the CDC for a medical evaluation.

These are the first policies since the pandemic started that would limit cross-border trucking, an activity that was considered essential. These mandates for truckers are stressing the North American supply chain even more than it already was, and reducing, even more, the capacity of the supply chain in the U.S., which was already tightened significantly, with huge price increases in the spot market.

Vaccines accepted to enter the U.S.

* The vaccination must be completed at least 14 days before entering the country.

Mexico: free pass and more vaccinated drivers

The Mexican drivers have a high rate of vaccination, so the vaccine mandates from the U.S. and Canada will not significantly affect their movement throughout North America. This has been motivated by the transportation companies and the availability of vaccines to the general population.

Testing has also been motivated by employers to ensure the security and continuity of their services. One of the worries is what will happen to Canadian and American drivers rejected at the Mexico-U.S. border since they will be returned to Mexico and will not be able to cross until they get vaccinated, but this cannot happen easily in that country.