California’s Advanced Clean Fleets rule, set to take effect in January 2025, is posing challenges for Mexican cross-border trucking operators. Many of these operators rely on aging diesel vehicles imported from the United States, which may not meet California’s new standards.
Miguel Elizalde, owner of Mobility Sustainable based in San Diego, highlighted concerns about the mandate potentially forcing some Mexican fleets out of business due to the high costs associated with electric trucks, which can exceed $100,000 each.
Express Service Transport Inc.’s CEO, Israel Delgado, noted that compliance readiness among Mexican trucking companies is low, citing financial constraints and limited availability of electric vehicle infrastructure in Mexico. He emphasized the disparity between the support available to U.S. companies versus Mexican counterparts.
Elizalde also pointed out that Mexico lacks sufficient charging infrastructure, with around 1,100 charging stations nationwide, primarily concentrated in major cities like Mexico City and Monterrey. The scarcity of suitable charging facilities for heavy-duty trucks remains a significant hurdle.
Instead of mandating electric trucks, Elizalde suggested that the government focus on performance-based policies to facilitate fleet decarbonization. He advocated for a range of emissions reduction technologies, including hybrids, natural gas, and hydrogen trucks, to accommodate varying operational needs and financial capacities within Mexico’s diverse trucking sector.
Other Developments in Cross-Border Trucking and Trade
Mexico’s Isthmus of Tehuantepec Railway Delivers Inaugural Shipment
Mexico’s Isthmus of Tehuantepec Railway successfully transported 13,500 tons of white corn from the Port of Salina Cruz to the Port of Veracruz. This milestone marks progress in Mexico’s $2.8 billion Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec project, aimed at enhancing freight transport efficiency across southern Mexico.
Texas EV Startup Secures Order for Electric Delivery Vans
Texas-based Canoo Inc. secured an order from Go2 Delivery for five electric Lifestyle Delivery Vehicles (LDV130), with an option for up to 85 additional vans. This agreement underscores Canoo’s commitment to sustainable logistics solutions, particularly for last-mile deliveries in Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay area.
Korea International Trade Association Expands Presence in Texas
The Korea International Trade Association (KITA) inaugurated its Dallas office to bolster Korean business interests in Texas. The move aims to facilitate stronger ties between Korean companies and the U.S. market, leveraging Dallas’s strategic location as a logistics hub.
These developments highlight ongoing transformations in cross-border trade and logistics, reflecting both challenges and opportunities for stakeholders in the evolving global economy.
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