Truck operators have declared enough is enough, organizing a transport strike set to take place in Nuevo Laredo on Thursday, February 27, at 10 AM. The protest is planned for the area known as "Puente Mocho," just before the World Trade Bridge, where countless trailers have been forming long lines in recent weeks. The decision to halt operations stemmed from rampant wait times, often exceeding six hours, significantly disrupting the transport of goods to the United States.
The calls for the strike began circulating through Facebook groups, fueled by anonymous messages urging the trucking community to unite and demand action addressing the unacceptable wait times. These delays have put tremendous strain on the logistics industry, and the situation appears to have become untenable.
Why have truckers decided to take such drastic action? The main culprit is the interminable lines and excessive delays exacerbated by what they describe as the inefficient management of the gamma-ray inspection system. This flawed system complicates exports and slows down the overall process. Compounding the problem are the numerous closed booths and checkpoints, which only add to the delays, along with poorly located inspection points creating bottlenecks and hindering traffic flow.
The truck operators have set forth specific demands to alleviate the current chaos. They’re calling for the full opening of booths and entry points to expedite crossings, more effective administration of the gamma-ray inspection system, the relocation of problematic checkpoints, and increased efficiency from customs management to prevent delays. All this resonates with the sentiment of the community—that patience has run out, and it’s time to insist on changes.
Meanwhile, the situation at the Reynosa-Pharr crossing has escalated recently due to exhaustive inspections led by the National Guard and the Mexican National Customs Agency (ANAM). Just last week, reports emerged of a trailer transporting illegal goods, triggering comprehensive review operations which resulted in lengthy queues at the border. According to the Reynosa Customs Agents Association (AAARAC), delays are expected to affect all heavy cargo units entering through the border.
An official statement from AAARAC indicated, "Through this medium, we allow ourselves to inform you the traffic of heavy cargo units will be slow due to inspections being carried out. All operations are being reviewed without exception." This announcement was met with concern from truck operators, who have reported significant backlogs not just at the bridge itself but extending along the Reynosa-Río Bravo highway, the Libramiento Sur 2, and routes leading to Matamoros and San Fernando.
Although inspections are conducted quickly, they have led to substantial congestion as cargo units have become overcrowded at export facilities. AAARAC emphasized the efficiency of the inspections, explaining, "They break the seals and open the trucks, but they do not unload the merchandise." Still, it has become clear the assembly lines of trailers awaiting export are growing longer, frustrating many operators caught up in the mess.
The trucking community’s frustrations are mounting as they await responses from authorities. If resolutions are not swiftly implemented, the looming strike may escalate the situation, resulting not only in significant losses for truckers but potentially impacting international trade at large.
Truck operators remain hopeful for constructive dialogue with customs officials before their scheduled strike, as they believe immediate action is necessary to rectify the situation. Failure to address their concerns could lead to more significant repercussions, affecting not just the trucking industry but commerce between Mexico and the United States.
The intersecting issues of wait times, efficiency, and safety inspections have become pressing matters, requiring attention from both sides of the border. It remains to be seen how authorities will respond as the clock ticks down to the scheduled protest.