The U.S. Customs and Border Protection recently announced the closure of two crucial railroad bridge crossings in Texas, prompting concerns about delivery disruptions. C.H. Robinson, a prominent brokerage, was prepared for such events, immediately assisting clients, particularly in the automotive sector, by redirecting freight to alternative routes like trucks or planes.
With the closures at Eagle Pass and El Paso, significant challenges arose. Shippers faced delays and increased costs, with wait times at truck lanes reaching up to 12 hours. Jason Mansur from Valley Companies emphasized the need for shippers to have contingency plans, suggesting options like emergency safety stocks or diversifying suppliers. Mansur also highlighted the importance of inventory management during these disruptions.
Mike Burkhart of C.H. Robinson expressed concerns about potential freight bottlenecks and delays, although they’ve redirected some traffic to Laredo, Texas, for quicker processing. However, uncertainty remains regarding when the rail crossings might reopen, and Union Pacific noted the challenges in resuming operations swiftly once they do.