Mexico allows empty trucks back through Progreso, Anzalduas and Donna bridges — but tanker trucks remain restricted

Mexican customs authorities have authorized the use of empty-truck crossings at the Las Flores, Anzalduas and Rio Bravo-Donna international crossings, partially easing restrictions that trucking officials say were imposed as part of a federal anti-fuel-smuggling operation and later sparked a truckers’ blockade at Progreso.

The dispute, however, is not fully resolved.

Some drivers remained in protest Thursday at the Las Flores cargo crossing on the Mexican side of the Progreso International Bridge because restrictions remain in place for tanker trucks and tank trailers.

According to an informational bulletin issued Thursday by the Reynosa Customs Office, empty freight trucks may use designated empty-vehicle lanes at the three crossings.

The reopening applies only to empty dry-box trailers.

Earlier this week, Edgar Zamorano, Reynosa delegate for Mexico’s National Chamber of Freight Transportation, known as CANACAR, told the Rio Grande Valley Business Journal that the restrictions stemmed from federal security measures tied to efforts to combat fuel smuggling, commonly known in Mexico as huachicol.

Zamorano said the measures originated with Mexico’s Ministry of Defense and affected multiple border crossings.

Under the new directive, empty tanker trucks and tank trailers remain prohibited from using the reopened lanes.

“The lane will remain restricted for tanker trucks and tank trailers, therefore it will only be enabled for the exit of empty dry-box units,” the bulletin stated.

Instead, empty tanker trucks must continue using the Reynosa-Pharr International Bridge, known in Mexico as the Nuevo Amanecer International Bridge.

“The crossing of empty tanker-type vehicles will be carried out exclusively through the Nuevo Amanecer International Bridge (Reynosa-Pharr), without exception,” the bulletin states.

The restrictions were at the center of a truckers’ blockade this week at the Las Flores cargo crossing, where drivers protested rules preventing certain empty trucks from returning to Mexico through the crossing.

Truckers interviewed by the Journal said the restrictions increased fuel costs, disrupted agricultural shipments and created uncertainty for carriers moving grain, produce and other goods between Texas and Mexico.

Several drivers said they were forced to reroute through other border crossings, increasing fuel expenses and travel times. Others reported delays affecting shipments of corn, sorghum, onions and watermelon moving between Texas and Mexican states.

One driver estimated that mandatory insurance costs alone could result in losses of nearly 2,000 pesos, or about $105, when a truck was unable to complete its route.

While Thursday’s bulletin restores access for most empty freight trailers, it does not indicate whether the remaining tanker-truck restrictions are temporary or permanent.

The bulletin also does not provide a timeline for lifting them.

The reopening marks the first official easing of the restrictions since the blockade began.

For many carriers, the change means empty dry-box trailers can once again return through Progreso, Anzalduas and Donna. For tanker operators, however, the restrictions remain in place — and some drivers continue to protest at Progreso.