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WASHINGTON — The federal government fought against two lawsuits challenging its pilot program that allows Mexican trucks into the U.S. interior, saying last week the complaints rely on incorrect interpretations of laws, regulations or international agreements.

WASHINGTON — The federal government fought against two lawsuits challenging its pilot program that allows Mexican trucks into the U.S. interior, claiming the complaints rely on incorrect interpretations of laws, regulations or international agreements.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is seeking comment on the latest Mexican carrier seeking to participate in the cross-border trucking program.

Federal officials said they have completed safety audits for three more Mexico-based carriers wishing to operate in the United States, but participation in the cross-border program remains far below what the U.S. government has said is needed to properly gauge the safety of Mexican carriers.

Baja Express Transportes, Tijuana, Mexico, has been granted authority to operate throughout the United States, the third carrier to get authority under the cross-border trucking pilot program with Mexico.

U.S. Department of Transportation officials have urged more Mexican carriers to apply for the cross-border trucking program, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has taken careful steps to ensure its cross-border program allowing Mexican trucks complies with federal law and that the trucks and drivers in the program are safe, the agency said in court filings last week.

A third Mexican carrier has passed preliminary safety review for operating in the United States under the two countries’ cross-border program, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said Tuesday.