How container drayage works in Laredo
Laredo is the busiest US–Mexico trade crossing. Trucks cross the World Trade and Colombia bridges, rail crosses on CPKC's international bridge, and Union Pacific's Port Laredo ramp serves both sides. Short-haul 'transfer' carriers move trailers across the border.
- Rail
- UP Port Laredo ramp and CPKC international bridge
- Truck crossings
- World Trade Bridge and Colombia Solidarity Bridge
- Services
- Customs brokers, forwarders and cross-docks
- Corridors
- I-35 and Loop 20
More about drayage in Laredo
Union Pacific's Port Laredo intermodal ramp, which UP expanded in a $90 million project, is one of the few intermodal facilities that serves business on both sides of the border. CPKC, which absorbed Kansas City Southern, runs the international rail bridge into Nuevo Laredo and its Sánchez Yard in Mexico. Both railroads compete for cross-border rail traffic, with Union Pacific trains also using the bridge.
The World Trade Bridge, a dedicated commercial crossing, and the Colombia Solidarity Bridge handle thousands of trucks a day. Many trailers and containers are moved across the border by short-haul 'transfer' carriers, then picked up by long-haul trucks or rail on the other side.
Laredo's warehouse districts along I-35 and Loop 20 are full of customs brokers, freight forwarders and cross-dock facilities where cargo is inspected, consolidated and transferred between US and Mexican equipment.
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Rail ramps
Railroads
Union Pacific · CPKC
Main highways
I-35 · US-59 / I-69W · Loop 20 · US-83 · World Trade Bridge · Colombia Solidarity Bridge
Container terminals and rail ramps in Laredo
Where containers are picked up and returned in the Laredo area.
Rail ramp
Port Laredo Intermodal Ramp
Rail ramp · Union Pacific
Union Pacific's Laredo ramp, expanded in a $90 million project, serving business on both sides of the border.
CPKC Laredo International Rail Bridge
Rail ramp · CPKC
Rail gateway between Laredo and Nuevo Laredo, linking to CPKC's Sánchez Yard in Mexico.
Manufacturing trade with Mexico
Laredo connects US markets with manufacturing centers in Monterrey, Saltillo and central Mexico. Auto parts, vehicles, electronics, appliances and machinery cross in both directions every day.
Many supply chains run on just-in-time schedules, so delays at the border can disrupt production. Carriers that specialize in cross-border work manage paperwork, inspections and timing. US exports through Laredo include grain, chemicals, plastics and consumer goods bound for Mexican factories and stores.
Customs, brokers and transfer trucking
Cross-border shipments require customs brokers on both sides, and cargo is often handed off between carriers at warehouses in Laredo. Transfer carriers move trailers across the bridge, while long-haul carriers take them to final destinations.
Carriers need customs bonds, FAST and C-TPAT credentials, and experience with Mexican regulations. Wait times at the bridges vary by time of day and season. Containers from rail or ports may be stripped and transloaded in Laredo into Mexican trailers or vice versa.
Routes and weather
Interstate 35 begins in Laredo and runs north to San Antonio, Austin, Dallas and beyond. US-59/I-69W heads toward Houston, and US-83 runs along the border toward the Rio Grande Valley. South Texas summers are extremely hot, which affects drivers and cargo. Reefers are common for food and temperature-sensitive goods. Hurricanes rarely reach Laredo directly, but heavy rain can cause flooding.
Nearshoring and Laredo's growth
As companies move manufacturing from Asia to Mexico, a trend known as nearshoring, Laredo's role in North American trade has grown even more. New factories in Monterrey, Saltillo and central Mexico ship more goods north, and US suppliers send more components south.
That growth has driven demand for warehouses, cross-docks and drayage services in Laredo. Industrial parks along I-35, Loop 20 and near the World Trade Bridge have expanded, and carriers have added trucks and drivers. Rail traffic across the border has also increased, with CPKC and Union Pacific competing for cross-border intermodal and carload freight.
Common lanes out of Laredo
Approximate one-way highway miles for the runs local carriers quote most often.
Nuevo Laredo
Cross-border transfer via the World Trade Bridge.
5 mi
Monterrey
Mexican industrial hub via Mexican Highway 85.
145 mi
Corpus Christi
Gulf Coast via SH-44 and I-69W.
145 mi
San Antonio
South Texas via I-35.
155 mi
Houston
Port Houston via US-59/I-69.
315 mi
Dallas–Fort Worth
North Texas via I-35.
430 mi
Booking drayage in Laredo: what to know
Local habits that change the price and timing of a move in Laredo. Mention them when you ask for a quote.
Hire cross-border specialists
Moves into Mexico require bonds, credentials and experienced transfer carriers.
Work with customs brokers early
Paperwork delays can stall shipments. Coordinate brokers on both sides before dispatch.
Plan for bridge wait times
Crossing times vary. Ask carriers about the best time and bridge for your freight.
Compare rail and truck
Union Pacific and CPKC offer cross-border rail. Compare with trucking for cost and speed.
Drayage markets near Laredo
Many carriers that serve Laredo also run these nearby ports and rail ramps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about container drayage in Laredo, TX.