Progreso bridge blockade is tied to Mexico’s anti-smuggling operation, trucking official says

Mexico’s Ministry of Defense — not customs officials — ordered the empty-trailer restrictions that triggered this week’s blockade on the Mexican side of the Progreso International Bridge, a Reynosa freight transportation representative said Wednesday.

The new information provides the first public explanation for a disruption that left truckers, customs brokers, and local officials searching for answers earlier this week.

“It is the Ministry of Defense that issued the order prohibiting empty crossings from north to south through the bridges, not only this one, but also Los Indios and Progreso,” Zamorano said.

As a result, truckers blocked cargo from crossing into the U.S. through the Progreso International Bridge. 

Drivers told the Rio Grande Business Journal on Tuesday that they were unable to return empty trailers from Texas into Mexico through the crossing since May 21. The restrictions increased operating costs, disrupted agricultural trade, and created uncertainty about how long the measures would remain in place.

On Tuesday, customs brokers said they understood the restrictions had been communicated through ANAM, but they were still waiting for additional guidance from federal authorities.

On Wednesday, Zamorano said the restrictions are part of a broader federal operation.

“This operation has been underway for some time across the entire border region because of issues related to huachicol activities,” he said.

Cargo continued moving

While the restrictions triggered the blockade, Zamorano said commercial cargo operations themselves were never suspended.

“They were not prevented from crossing. Operations are continuing,” he said. “They decided to block the bridge because, for now, they are not being allowed to return empty for security reasons.”

According to Zamorano, the restrictions primarily affect double-trailer trucks commonly used to transport grain, construction materials, and perishable products between Texas and Mexico.

“The problem is that this generates higher costs for them because they have to return empty all the way to Reynosa,” he said.

Truckers interviewed Tuesday said some carriers had begun rerouting through other crossings, increasing fuel costs and travel times.

Several operators also reported concerns about delays affecting shipments of corn, sorghum, onions, and watermelon moving between Texas and Mexican states, including Tamaulipas and Jalisco.

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

No timeline for reopening

Zamorano said federal authorities continue making operational adjustments and that the restrictions may not be permanent.

However, he said there is no indication of when empty-trailer crossings will fully resume.

“This is a national security matter, and only they know when they will reopen it,” he said.

As of Wednesday, federal authorities had not publicly issued additional details outlining the scope, duration, or operational guidelines governing the restrictions.