Laredo Toll Hike Sparks Pushback From Freight Sector

Laredo’s approved toll increases for international bridges have sparked opposition from freight carriers, who warn the measure could raise cross-border logistics costs and affect the competitiveness of the Laredo-Nuevo Laredo trade corridor.

Mexico’s freight sector is pushing back against a phased increase in toll rates at Laredo’s international bridges, warning that the measure could raise logistics costs and weaken the competitiveness of the Laredo-Nuevo Laredo trade corridor.

The Laredo City Council approved a gradual adjustment to international bridge tolls under Ordinance 2026-O-114, a measure designed to increase revenues for bridge operations, maintenance, debt payments, technology upgrades, and infrastructure improvements, according to the City of Laredo City Council agenda. The increases would apply to commercial vehicles, non-commercial vehicles, and pedestrians, with the new structure expected to take effect in phases through 2031.

For the freight industry, the most significant impact will fall on commercial crossings. Current bridge tolls stand at US$1.75 per axle for non-commercial vehicles and US$4.75 per axle for commercial traffic, according to the City of Laredo International Bridge System toll rates. For a standard five-axle commercial vehicle, this means a current crossing cost of US$23.75.

Under the approved plan, a five-axle truck would eventually pay US$37.50 by 2031, a 58% increase from current levels, according to KGNS. The proposal also includes increases for non-commercial vehicles and pedestrians, with private two-axle vehicles expected to rise from US$3.50 per crossing to US$4 in October 2026, US$5 in 2027, and US$6.50 by 2031, according to La Jornada.

The Nuevo Laredo Freight Transport Association (ATC) rejected the measure and sent a formal letter to Laredo Mayor Víctor Treviño, requesting that the city reconsider the decision. The association warned that the toll hike would directly affect the cost structure of carriers operating in one of North America’s most important trade corridors.

ATC argued that decisions affecting the Laredo-Nuevo Laredo port of entry should be made with a broader strategic vision and with greater participation from the logistics companies that operate daily across the border. The association said the competitiveness of the corridor should be supported through trade facilitation, operational efficiency, and infrastructure planning, rather than through measures that increase the cost of cross-border transport.

Carriers Warn of Higher Operating Costs

The Laredo-Nuevo Laredo corridor is a critical gateway for US-Mexico trade, with thousands of commercial trucks crossing daily through the World Trade Bridge and other international bridges in the region. The City of Laredo Bridge System reported 10,010 commercial crossings on May 5 2026, up 102.3% from 4,948 on the same period in 2025.

The Laredo Motor Carriers Association (LMCA) also opposed the proposal during public discussions. Jerry Maldonado, Chairman of the Board, LMCA, told the council the association could not support the proposal. Industry representatives also requested more detailed information on the projects and expenses tied to the toll adjustment.

Trade representatives have questioned whether the city should first review how existing bridge revenues are allocated before approving additional increases. According to Laredo Morning Times, industry representatives argued that the city should reallocate more of the approximately US$88 million in annual bridge revenue, part of which supports the general fund, toward bridge system improvements before raising tolls.

City Defends Infrastructure Funding Needs

City officials have defended the toll increase as necessary to support long-term bridge modernization and expansion. Laredo officials have said the city faces major infrastructure needs tied to the World Trade Bridge and the Colombia Solidarity Bridge, including technology improvements, operational upgrades, and future expansion projects.

The city has estimated that bridge-related infrastructure and modernization needs could require between US$240 million and US$250 million in investment, according to Laredo Morning Times. Officials have argued that stronger and more predictable bridge revenues would help support debt financing and improve the city’s ability to obtain favorable borrowing conditions for future projects.

According to KGNS, Laredo officials have said additional revenue would help the city secure bonds and loans and demonstrate its ability to repay debt. City officials have framed the measure as part of a long-term funding strategy to prepare the bridge system for future trade growth.

However, transport and trade representatives have asked the city to provide more data showing how commercial traffic affects municipal services and how much of the new revenue would be directed specifically to bridge infrastructure. Laredo Morning Times reported that council members and industry representatives raised concerns about the proposal’s scope, fairness, and transparency before the ordinance advanced.

ATC said it will continue defending the competitiveness of the Nuevo Laredo-Laredo corridor and advocating for decisions that strengthen trade facilitation, according to La Jornada. The association urged authorities to reconsider the measure and work with industry stakeholders to identify alternatives that support infrastructure development without undermining the corridor’s logistics costs.