The Department of Transportation Monday announced it will extend for two years its pilot program that allows Mexican truckers full access to U.S. highways.

The move was supported by U.S. meat companies and other manufacturers, but opposed by some members of Congress, and labor, highway safety and consumer groups. 

The House of Representatives Transportation Committee voted last week to end the pilot program as scheduled next month and require congressional authority to restart it. Panel Chairman Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.) responded to DOT's announcement by vowing to continue legislative efforts to shut the program down.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator John Hill said DOT is extending the program to allow greater participation by giving trucking companies sufficient time to realize a return on their investment.

"A number of potential companies have been unwilling to invest the time and resources necessary to participate due to uncertainties concerning the project's longevity," Hill said in a statement.

In response to safety concerns driving the push against the program, Hill said, "To date, the project has shown that U.S. and Mexican carriers can engage in cross-border trucking operations in compliance with applicable laws and with no compromise to public safety or security. In fact, Mexican trucks and drivers have established compliance rates equal or better to those of U.S. trucks and drivers."