Railroad bosses plead for immediate reopening of southern border rail crossings
The Association of American Railroads (AAR), a trade group, issued a statement on Monday warning of the negative impacts on consumers due to the shutdown of operations in Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas.
"The urgency of reopening these border crossings and restoring rail service between the two countries cannot be stressed enough," said AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies. "Each day the border is closed results in a series of operational delays on both sides, which affects customers and ultimately consumers."
Customs and Border Protection announced a temporary pause on Sunday, citing the recent resurgence of smuggling organizations transporting migrants in freight trains through Mexico.
The railroad industry argues that the disruptions have had the most immediate and direct impact on Union Pacific and BNSF, as well as their customers who rely upon these railroads. Union Pacific and BNSF run approximately 24 trains per day at these crossings, carrying automotive parts, agriculture products, finished vehicles, chemicals, and other goods, according to the AAR.
"Given that CBP is still dealing with an extremely difficult humanitarian crisis, the railroad industry urgently requests that CBP take steps to protect the supply chains of the country from further disruptions," said Jefferies.
Additional Insights:
- Temporary Suspension of Freight Rail Operations:
- The U.S. Customs and Border Protection suspended freight rail operations in El Paso and Eagle Pass, Texas, due to a surge in migrants[1].
- Impact on Rail Companies:
- Union Pacific is urging customers to lobby Congress to pressure U.S. Customs and Border Protection to establish a timetable for the resumption of freight rail operations[1].
- The suspension of services has led to disruptions for both Union Pacific and BNSF, as they depend on these crossings for their operations.
- Source:
The disruptions caused by the temporary suspension of rail crossings between the United States and Mexico are causing significant issues for businesses, particularly Union Pacific and BNSF, two major railroad companies. The reopening of these crossings is essential to maintaining the supply chain and avoiding further delays for both businesses and consumers.
