Rio Grande City Texas offers agile crossing for freight transportation

Camargo International Bridge: The Swift Gateway for International Trade

With imports surpassing $711.4 million in the past year and customs clearance processes taking mere seconds, the Rio Grande Texas International Bridge, also known as the Camargo International Bridge, has risen to be the 31st busiest land border port out of the 99 in the United States.

This gateway into the United States from Mexico boasts wide lanes that accommodate the passage of oversized, overweight, and double-trailer trucks. Furthermore, it offers a joint inspection program for 100% of inbound cargo seven days a week, where the Mexican National Customs Agency (ANAM) and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) simultaneously review merchandise within the American Customs facilities.

Throughout 2022, the international crossing recorded approximately 52,782 cargo units, 403,540 private vehicles, and 69,692 pedestrians. The bridge's owner, Starr Camargo Bridge Co, possesses the necessary infrastructure for processing the imports and exports of all products crossing its span, offering personalized services that enhance international trade activities and the capacity to significantly increase trading volumes.

Responsiveness and Competitive Advantages

Rogelio Olivares Jr, the director of CBP at the Port of Rio Grande City, Texas, highlighted that infrastructure, personnel responsiveness, and location are among their main competitive advantages.

"We can tap into the commercial flow generated in South Texas, as we are situated between two major bridges with heavy traffic, Pharr and Laredo, giving us an edge. The bridges I just mentioned are congested in the cargo traffic area, and I think the cross-border flow of goods will grow significantly in the next five years due to nearshoring."

Currently, he stated, "the primary materials crossing through Rio Grande are bricks, blocks, and steel, but in the near future, we'll see the influx of other products as a result of nearshoring." He added, "Technology aids us in making the movement of goods more efficient and faster to avoid delays. We are fortunate to have excellent communication with ANAM personnel, spaces available for new crossings, and a continuous commitment to offering the best."

No Lines and Seconds to Clear

The international bridge has direct connections to heavily trafficked Texas highways and airports that facilitate international trade processes. Olivares Jr. pointed out that, with no queues or congestions, businesses looking to import or export goods enjoy the freedom to choose their route.

"With nearshoring, the Port of Rio Grande City is the best choice for entrepreneurs who want their merchandise to arrive quickly and securely. We handle all the processes, and they don't have to wait. Therefore, they can continue their journey to McAllen, Pharr, Laredo, San Antonio, Dallas, or any other location in Texas or throughout the United States, as well as to the rest of the world," he explained.

He emphasized that one of the reasons Camargo International Bridge offers swiftness in crossing is the immediate implementation of technology by customs authorities when cargo units arrive at the facilities. This happens when vehicles enter the lanes where the joint inspection program is in place, allowing ANAM and CBP officers to process the entry of commercial cargo.

Profits for Businesses

Subsequently, with the X-ray system, it is verified that the declared merchandise matches what is on board the truck. "For us, the use of technology is crucial, as it saves time, and this translates into profits for businesses. We can process food, perishables, construction materials, metals, fuels, and more."

Finally, the director emphasized the growth prospects with nearshoring. "You won't regret using the Port of Rio Grande City. If you give us the opportunity, you won't look for another bridge."