The Laredo, Texas , City Council approved on June 15, 2026, by a vote of seven to two, a phased increase in toll rates for the international bridges, effective from January 2027 to January 2029, with an automatic annual adjustment beginning in 2030. The decision was made against the recommendation of the Laredo Port of Entry Advisory Committee and generated public rejection from at least three representative organizations in the sector: the Nuevo Laredo Freight Carriers Association (ATC) , the Laredo Motor Carriers Association (LMCA) , and the Association of Logistics & Forwarding Agents (ALFA), which represents freight forwarders and logistics companies.

The controversial decision by the Laredo City Council was voted against by Mayor Victor Treviño and Councilwoman Alyssa Cigarroa but approved by the majority, who based their vote on Ordinance 2026-O-114. The city government argues that inflation, labor costs, maintenance, technology, insurance, public safety, debt service, and infrastructure have increased substantially since the last rate update (2017) for commercial and pedestrian tolls (2013) for non-commercial vehicles . Therefore, they proposed a phased increase plan as a responsible alternative to a single, much larger adjustment.

It should be noted that the main users of the Laredo international commercial bridges ( World Trade Bridge in Laredo and Solidarity in Colombia) have publicly rejected this increase.

ATC, LMCA, and ALFA all rejected the toll increase, though each from a different perspective: ATC focused its objection on the City Council’s disregard for the recommendation of its own Port of Entry Advisory Committee, which voted 12 to 1 against the increase, and on the inappropriate timing given the uncertainty surrounding the review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA); ALFA was more emphatic regarding leadership, noting that the decision sends the wrong signal to those who generate employment and investment and that efficiency alternatives should have been explored before passing the cost on to the user; and LMCA, with the most conciliatory tone of the three, did not oppose the need for infrastructure funds but rather the process followed , highlighting that the city collected approximately $88 million in tolls in 2025, of which, by a 1998 resolution, roughly half is transferred to the general municipal fund instead of being prioritized for the operation and expansion of the bridges themselves. They agree that the decision was made without exhausting alternatives and without listening to the sector that best knows the daily operation of what is recognized as the most dynamic land crossing for goods in America, which concentrates about 42% of the trade between Mexico and the United States and with a daily crossing, just through the World Trade Bridge, of between 16 and 18 thousand tractor trucks.

Use of the increased resources

However, it is important to note that while the ordinance states that the first priority of the bridge system’s revenue is operation, maintenance, rehabilitation, technological modernization, public safety, debt service, reserves, and infrastructure preservation, the same text recognizes that the bridge system must continue to generate revenue for municipal purposes “authorized in accordance with city policy,” meaning that the historical transfer to the general fund is neither modified nor limited.

Not everything is gray.

Something to highlight in the ordinance presented to the City Council is that the municipal government of Laredo is obligated to present an Annual Performance Report detailing income, expenses, debt, reserves, crossings, among others.

But perhaps the most important commitment assumed by the government and the City Council is the clause on extraordinary economic conditions, which indicates that the City Council can postpone, suspend, or modify future adjustments in the face of federal tariffs, changes to the USMCA, changes in the operation of CBP or Mexican customs, recession, pandemics, or supply chain disruptions.

They also proposed the mandatory review of the tariff study every five years at most and the authorization of commercial traffic management programs through incentives for peak/off-peak hours, volume, seasonal or promotional prices.

What’s coming

Although the increase might be considered marginal, it does reduce the competitiveness of the International Bridges and could make other crossings attractive for goods that do not depend on this route.

While customs agents or logistics operators will not pay this toll directly, they will be pressured with tariff adjustments by the trucking industry.

The aforementioned clause for an automatic 4% increase starting in 2030 fails to consider future scenarios of uncertainty, such as those experienced this year under the Trump administration. Trade dynamics cannot be dictated by decree. If, by then, the USMCA faces adverse renegotiation or new tariffs, this automatic increase could strike the sector at its most vulnerable moment.

What we will see in the coming days or months is increased pressure from the foreign trade sector to truly be taken into account in such crucial decisions that directly impact its competitiveness. But above all, we will see increased pressure to create a more cohesive bloc that promotes a more efficient revenue-sharing formula for bridges, one that is exclusively earmarked for the costs of infrastructure, technology, operation, and administration of international bridges, and not for municipal operating expenses.

*Eleazar Ixba is a marketing and institutional communication consultant with more than 25 years of experience in transportation and logistics, with a focus on cross-border issues.

Connect with Eleazar on LinkedIn.

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El cargo New increase in tolls for international bridges in Laredo apareció primero en T21.

Amid the growing regulatory complexity for trucking between Mexico and the United States , TIP Mexico assured that its fleet of trailers and semi-trailers is already prepared to operate under the legal and technical frameworks of both countries, with the goal of reducing delays and rejections at border crossings.

During the Expo Proveedores del Transporte y Logística 2026 , held at Cintermex in Monterrey, the company specializing in fleet leasing and management stated that its equipment complies with both Mexican Official Standards (NOM) and US regulations, including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) and the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).

According to TIP Mexico, one of the main challenges for Mexican fleets operating to the United States is that compliance with NOMs does not guarantee legal circulation in US territory, so the units must also align with the requirements of the Department of Transportation (DOT) , the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“Monterrey is the epicenter of logistical dynamism to the north. We want to give absolute certainty to carriers: our units are prepared to comply simultaneously with the legal framework of both countries,” said Eugenio Noriega, Trailer Director of TIP Mexico.

The company presented a regulatory equivalence matrix to explain the requirements faced by carriers in cross-border operations. Among these, it highlighted NOM-035-SCT, related to manufacturing specifications; NOM-068-SCT-2-2014 , focused on physical and mechanical conditions; and NOM-012-SCT regarding weights and dimensions.

According to the company, the FMCSA recognizes NOM-068 as equivalent to the US periodic inspection program for maintenance and operational safety , while in the case of weights and dimensions there is no automatic recognition, so the units must comply with federal and state limits in the United States.

TIP Mexico added that its equipment incorporates approved ABS braking systems , regulatory lighting configurations and perimeter safety components aligned with US standards, in addition to aerodynamic elements to optimize fuel consumption on international routes.

The company also indicated that, through short and long-term pure leasing schemes, it seeks to help Mexican fleets increase operational capacity with equipment certified for safe interchange, particularly during high demand seasons.

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El cargo TIP Mexico promotes strategy to eliminate friction at the border crossing of cargo apareció primero en T21.

TIJUANA, BC.- The Cali-Baja region is one of the most dynamic logistics corridors in North America, derived from cross-border productive and commercial integration , where manufacturing, transportation and supply chains operate under increasingly specialized binational schemes, as well as with new regulations that impact the cross-border transport of goods.

In the panel “Key Issues for Better Cross-Border Logistics” , Alfonso Millán, delegate in Tijuana, Tecate and Rosarito of the National Chamber of Freight Transportation (Canacar) , pointed out that being in Tijuana near the border with California – a state of the United States considered the fourth largest economy in the world – represents a privilege.

However, he considered that this proximity puts constant pressure on Baja California’s transportation companies, so a balance must be sought.

During the second edition of the Cali-Baja Transportation and Logistics Meeting  (ETYL) , organized by Grupo T21, Juan Báez, CEO of Bali Express Services , said that the region faces competition from other corridors in Mexico that have greater installed capacity, which forces local companies to improve their processes, be more efficient, invest in technology, raise operational standards and professionalize transportation. 

In his presentation, he indicated that between 80% and 90% of the production of the maquiladora plants established in Baja California is destined for California.

He pointed out that this northern state has had its ups and downs, since this market does not have the purchasing power it did three or four years ago, so companies in the region now also export outside of California .

According to data from the International Trade Administration , Baja California has more than 900 export manufacturing companies, many of which are directly linked to supply chains in California.

In that regard, Millán specified that the automotive, electronics, and medical industries are leading cross-border integration and have the greatest growth potential in the next five years. 

For his part, Báez indicated that the 2026 World Cup has boosted television sales, a sector from which Bali Express has benefited, since 80% of its customers assemble this product.

Adjustments to cross-border transport

The dynamics of foreign trade between Mexico and the United States are going through a time of high operational pressure, marked by regulatory adjustments and sustained growth in the flow of goods. 

In that context, the logistics sector faces structural challenges, as indicated by Carlos Ochoa, executive director of the Supplier Compliance Audit Network (SCAN) Association, who pointed out that the infrastructure “is not at the level of growth that Mexico is experiencing.”

The transportation sector is directly affected by these shortcomings, as every hour of downtime at the border represents not only economic losses but also a risk to cargo. Furthermore, insecurity and staff shortages in critical areas such as inspection and surveillance foreshadow a complex scenario in the coming years, which could impact bilateral trade.

From a regulatory perspective, Ochoa indicated that being CTPAT (Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) or an AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) does not mean being completely safe, since although they are necessary certifications, they have limitations. 

However, digital transformation is emerging as a way to address these challenges. The adoption of artificial intelligence, process automation, and advanced traceability systems is redefining logistics management and inspection mechanisms.

Authorities such as  Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have begun implementing digital tools to process large volumes of information in real time, which anticipates a profound change in the oversight of foreign trade, the specialist indicated.

The panelists noted that the digital transition in Mexico faces particular challenges and that the region requires greater integration between public and private actors, as well as a long-term vision to ensure the continuity of regulatory and infrastructure processes that transcend political cycles.

They also warned about the tightening of visa criteria for operators and new requirements at border crossings in recent weeks, which is impacting the continuity of supply chains and the efficiency of foreign trade.

Alfonso Millán indicated that 70 visas have been withdrawn under the argument that the operators were crossing on foot into US territory to pick up their units. 

Adding to this is a new and controversial CBP regulation regarding the transit of dry vans , where return shipments were being used to send empty vans that would later be filled with raw materials. However, the U.S. authority has begun to penalize this practice under the premise that an empty dry van is merchandise in itself. This “ is going to reshape the entire logistics landscape ,” Millán stated.

Juan Báez added that the transport sector has adapted to the changes in the international and global market , “and I think that differentiates us from the rest of the industry sectors, where transport always has to adapt to different eventualities.”

In addition to geopolitical and regulatory adjustments on the northern border, freight transport is impacted on national routes due to insecurity and organized crime, the panel indicated, where  sections in states such as Puebla, Veracruz, Michoacán and Guanajuato were identified.

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El cargo Competition and regulatory adjustments impact transportation in Cali-Baja apareció primero en T21.

The journey is the same. The route doesn’t change, nor does the customer. But at the end of the journey, the result is no longer the same. 

In the trucking industry, each crossing into the United States can result in lower revenue in pesos, even if payment in dollars remains the same. Domestically, the impact manifests differently: rising costs, negotiated rates, and operations constantly being adjusted on the fly . 

The exchange rate has ceased to be a distant data point and has become an operational variable. So far in 2026, the peso has moved from levels close to 18 units per dollar to lows of around 17.2 , before rebounding, according to data from the Bank of Mexico (Banxico) . 

Rather than sustained strength, the behavior reveals an environment of volatility that is beginning to affect the operation of the sector.  

This shift directly impacts an industry that operates on tight margins and long-term contracts . The variation is not evenly distributed: it depends on the type of transaction, the currency of the revenue, and the cost structure.  

In cross-border transport , the effect is immediate. When revenues are dollarized, every appreciation of the peso reduces the value ultimately received in local currency. 

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El cargo Super Peso: Pressures and Opportunities in Motor Transport apareció primero en T21.

Echo Global Logistics has taken a key step in its expansion with the opening of its new offices in Mexico City , marking the beginning of a strategic operation in the country, strengthening its presence in the region and consolidating its commitment to cross-border trade between Mexico and the United States.

During the opening ceremony, Troy Ryley , president of Echo Mexico, highlighted the importance of this expansion for the company and its customers.

“Today marks an important milestone in Echo’s history, consolidating our strategic expansion in Mexico. This reflects a significant investment in infrastructure, technology, and, of course, local talent,” he noted.

He also emphasized that the company already operates from several key locations, such as Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Laredo, allowing it to offer efficient and transparent logistics solutions to its customers.

For his part, Douglas Waggoner , CEO of Echo Global Logistics, highlighted the company’s history and evolution since its inception 20 years ago, when it started with just 10 employees and today has more than 2,300 collaborators.

“Mexico is not just our closest neighbor, it’s a vital trading partner. The growing trend of nearshoring is making the trade relationship between our two countries ever stronger, and Echo is here to capitalize on this opportunity with a strong presence in the country,” he stated.

Adapted service

With Echo’s business expanding into Mexico, the company is investing in providing opportunities for Mexican carriers, leveraging its capabilities and experience in the market. In an interview with T21, Troy Ryley emphasized that the key to success lies in recruiting local talent and building strong relationships with carriers.

“We live and die by the quality of the carriers we work with. The quality of our partners is key. We have a large number, but it’s a very close relationship that’s fundamental to the company’s success,” he explained.

He also emphasized that the company has made adjustments to adapt to the specific needs of the Mexican market and provide comprehensive solutions that truly align with the needs of customers in Mexico.

“Fortunately, we have the advantage that many of the 35,000 companies we work with in the United States are already recognizing the value we can offer them in Mexico,” he added.

In addition to transportation, Echo has expanded its services in the country, including customs clearance, warehousing, and border crossings, which has allowed it to gain market share and attract new customers.

For his part, David Menzel , president and director of Global Operations, explained to this media that Echo’s expansion in Mexico not only implies greater transportation capacity, but also a broader range of services .

“We wanted to give our customers greater capacity to meet demand during peak seasons and offer additional services such as coordination between Mexican and U.S. carriers at border crossings. This creates efficiencies, cost savings, and better shipment management,” he said.

Menzel also emphasized that this strategy will allow Echo to better serve its U.S. customers with operations in Mexico, especially those decision-makers in the country.

“Our team in Mexico, led by Troy, will be able to work directly with them, allowing us to increase our capacity and improve the way we serve their needs,” he said.

In this regard, Mauricio Rubio , Director of Operations at Echo Mexico, highlighted the role of technology in the company’s operations, as they are transferring to Mexico the technological tools they already use in the United States, which are providing visibility and control at every stage of the logistics process.

The company has invested heavily in innovation and development, with an annual budget of $80 million earmarked to improve its technology and operations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Rubio emphasized that implementing advanced shipment tracking and monitoring tools is critical in the current climate, where shippers demand greater visibility into their operations.

Growth and engagement prospects

Despite current industry challenges and uncertainties surrounding trade policies, the Echo Global Logistics team remains optimistic about the future of its operations in Mexico.

“We’re easily going to double our business this year compared to last year,” Ryley told T21.

He noted that the growth is due both to the natural expansion of the market and to the addition of new clients who previously couldn’t access their services.

Regarding future prospects, Ryley reiterated the company’s long-term vision for the country.

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El cargo Echo Global Logistics strengthens its presence with new offices in Mexico City. apareció primero en T21.

In an increasingly interconnected world, logistics plays a crucial role as a backbone of the economy, so smart solutions to optimize transport and cargo management are increasingly necessary.

With its strategic location and growing economy, Mexico has established itself as a key player in cross-border trade , and according to market projections, Mexico’s cargo and logistics sector is expected to grow from $128 billion in 2023 to more than $171 billion by 2029, underscoring the urgent need to adopt more efficient, technological and integrated logistics solutions that respond to current and future challenges.

In this context, Uber Freight will hold the Powering Intelligent Logistics Summit 2024 on October 22 in Monterrey, Nuevo León, an event that will be a meeting space for industry leaders, technology companies and logistics specialists , who will meet to discuss the changing landscape of cross-border logistics.

One of the key topics to be addressed during the summit is the impact of nearshoring on supply chains across North America, a trend that has gained ground, particularly in Mexico, generating a reconfiguration of supply chains, which must now be more agile, flexible and technologically advanced.

Additionally, with increased trade between Mexico, the United States, and Canada under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), cross-border logistics faces additional complexities as companies must navigate an ever-changing regulatory environment , as well as address security, capacity, and sustainability challenges.

The Powering Intelligent Logistics Summit 2024 will provide a platform for attendees to discuss emerging trends in global logistics, with keynote presentations and panel discussions, the event will address critical topics such as foreign trade, transportation, technology and innovation, and economy.

Additionally, Lior Ron , CEO of Uber Freight, will share the company’s vision for the future of cross-border logistics, while Eduardo Reyes Díaz Leal , an international trade specialist, will provide in-depth insight into the economic trends that are shaping the logistics landscape for the coming years.

Other presentations and panel discussions will address topics on foreign trade, transport security and logistics technology, with practical information on regulatory complexities, capacity optimization and centralized data management .

Uber Freight will also be one of the event’s main attractions, where it will present some of its most innovative solutions, such as its integrated transportation management system (TMS) , as well as advanced warehousing and customs clearance services, designed to improve visibility and efficiency of freight operations.

Click here for more information and registration.

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El cargo Powering Intelligent Logistics Summit 2024: Driving cross-border logistics with Uber Freight apareció primero en T21.

In the face of the nearshoring boom (migration of production lines to consumer centers), in which companies begin to expand and relocate their operations in Mexico, the challenges that the country faces in establishing companies, such as infrastructure and security, are often highlighted, but what happens with cross-border transportation to the main destination, which is the United States?

In the webinar Capacity and Security: The Keys to Transforming Border Trade organized by VAX Solutions, Eduardo Chaim, its Commercial Director, highlighted that Mexico has been characterized as a country with highly specialized industry , in addition to the fact that exports to the United States have increased considerably, which makes it relevant to strengthen cross-border transport.

In context, Mexico’s trade balance with North America showed a surplus in 2023 , with 85.7% in exports (508,193 million dollars (mdd)) and 44.9% in imports (268,561 mdd), in addition to Mexico displacing China as the United States’ first trading partner in 2023 , with a surplus in the trade balance in favor of Mexico of 235 billion dollars.

“It is a great challenge for transport chains, as it represents an imbalance in transport services to create this capacity to meet the demand for transport, because the increase in volume will not be equal to the installed cargo capacity,” said Chaim.

On the other hand, the specialist indicated that the lack of tractor-trailer operators is another important challenge within land transportation, especially because in Mexico there is a shortage of approximately 60 thousand drivers .

In this regard, he explained that measures must be taken to provide operators with the conditions necessary to make this work more attractive.

“We know that a fleet of 60,000 trucks with 60,000 operators will not suddenly appear to balance demand. This is why it is important to generate capacity and solid relationships between suppliers,” he said.

Chaim pointed out that VAX developed corridors to strengthen and offer strategic business for all carriers through a contract infrastructure, to link one company with another to generate greater capacity and meet demand.

In addition, in order to protect operators, the company has a security team that develops safe transit protocols.

“I believe that the most important thing as a pillar of the transport chain is the life of the operators, the safety and integrity of the fifth wheel drivers, tractor-trailers, and small units. We must make our users and clients understand that we must respect transit times to maintain the integrity of our people,” said Eduardo Chaim.

He also indicated that in order to have capacity, they have a solid network of suppliers , with specialized transportation in different industries.

On the other hand, Sergio Nava, Director of Logistics Operations at VAX, added that understanding the client and their needs generates a value proposition in the business, since “it is not only about filling loads and deliveries here, these are your routes, but really looking for that grain of rice of what is it that hurts you, what? What is it that is currently causing conflict in your operation? “

To foster dialogue on the opportunities presented by  nearshoring , Grupo T21 will organize the  Transportation and Logistics Meeting (ETYL)  on October 9 and 10 in Nuevo León. With the central theme “Maximizing logistics opportunities with  nearshoring ,” this event will bring together important industry leaders in Mexico. For more information, you can check all the details by clicking  here .

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El cargo Creating Capacity to Address Challenges in Cross-Border Transportation apareció primero en T21.

Uber Freight , the cargo division of the mobility technology platform, recently detailed in its report “From the United States to Mexico: a guide to strengthening cross-border transportation,” that, although the Mexican market is on an upward trajectory, factors such as nearshoring and cargo theft require a strategic approach to ensure efficient compliance , high – quality service and cost savings.

“If your team isn’t thinking about nearshoring, you risk falling behind your competition by missing out on faster shipping, travel, and cost savings. As more companies migrate to Mexico, it is necessary to diversify transportation modes to manage increased demand and capacity crises. “Having transportation management systems (TMS) that provide real-time supply chain visibility will support operations and provide access to up-to-date information and shipment tracking data,” the document reads.

The transportation and logistics solutions provider detailed that cargo theft and fraud are also becoming more common in the United States, for example, according to information from CargoNet , theft increased more than 57% between 2022 and 2023 . “In addition to causing financial losses for carriers, increases in crime pose higher insurance policy costs,” he said.

At this point, Uber Freight recommended taking measures to combat crime, with joint strategies with transportation partners, to “ implement security procedures and keep drivers safe, for example, transporting goods only during the day at critical points of cargo theft . Additionally, it is pertinent to consider investing in TMS that provides fraud prevention technology solutions. “In addition to real-time shipment tracking to detect suspicious activity, and built-in automation to verify carriers with unique identifiers.”

During  June 2024, motor transportation theft in Mexico experienced an increase of 4.1% compared to the indicators of the same cycle in 2023; Meanwhile, when compared to the previous month, May 2024, the registration for the sixth month of the year is 4.2% lower, according to a report from   Overhaul .

Meanwhile, Mexico’s commercial exchange with the world is going from strength to strength. From January to June 2024, the value of exports (oil and non-oil) amounted to 299,387 million dollars (mdd), 2.6% higher than the same period in 2023; Of this figure, 83.81% was destined for the United States (28.70% automotive and 55.11% others), according to the report from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) .

In turn, the accumulated value of total imports in the first half of 2024 was 304,885 million dollars, an amount higher by 2.2% than that observed in the same period of 2023.

This year Mexico became the United States’ main trading partner, ahead of China and Canada.

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El cargo Nearshoring and cargo theft, critical points for cross-border transportation: Uber Freight apareció primero en T21.