Currently, around 10,000 trucks heading North pass through PORT-LAREDO daily, a number expected to grow as trade between the United States (US) and Mexico increases. In Laredo, Texas, trucks coming from Mexico line up in eight lanes as far as the eye can see, stretching over the Rio Bravo.
Hundreds of trucks move slowly through the lanes, while drivers wait for their turn to deliver their loads to the numerous truck terminals near the highway. The World Trade Bridge connects "the two Laredos," the border cities of Laredo-Nuevo Laredo, in the heart of North American trade. They send products like avocados, auto parts, and John Deere tractors through interstate roads to all continental US states.
According to US census data analyzed by US Trade Numbers, Laredo is now responsible for more trade than any other port in the country. As of September, imports through Laredo this year increased by eight percent compared to the same period last year, reaching a value of 148 billion dollars (billion), while exports totaled 93 billion dollars, a seven percent increase.
In Laredo, where trade, transportation, and public services account for nearly a third of local jobs, improving and expanding infrastructure is a constant topic of discussion. Alberto Flores, director of the Port of Laredo for the US Customs and Border Protection Office, emphasizes that "infrastructure always influences how well or poorly cargo will move."
Infrastructure projects at PORT-LAREDO include the construction of eight additional lanes on the World Trade Bridge and a new international rail bridge financed by Kansas City Southern. Earlier this year, four special lanes for "free and secure trade for commercial vehicles" were opened on the WTB to alleviate congestion. These lanes, funded by the Laredo city council, are only for previously verified commercial carriers in security checks.
Improvements are planned for US Route 59 that connects Laredo with Houston, with road and highway enhancement projects in the Laredo area. The Texas Department of Transportation, TxDOT, is investing 2.3 billion dollars in these projects, partially funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Projects will include the expansion of Interstate 35, the main trucking artery in the US.
Trucks entering the US from Mexico undergo an expedited customs process in the new FAST lanes at the World Trade Bridge in Port Laredo. The FAST lane dispatch booths for northbound trucks are larger to accommodate US and Mexican customs officials, streamlining the export and import process for both governments.
