The City of Laredo and the Laredo International Airport are proud to announce a new trial program, through a partnership with the United Parcel Service (UPS), that will increase efficiencies in cargo operations. During a May 18 press conference City leaders and special guests discussed improvements on the Air Cargo Dual Customs Inspection Program that will save time and costs. Those in attendance included Mayor Pete Saenz; District 5 Council member Ruben Gutierrez Jr.; City Manager Robert A. Eads; U.S. Consul in Nuevo Laredo Political and Economic Officer, Preston Savarese; Consul General from Mexico in Laredo, Juan Carlos Mendoza; United Parcel Service (UPS) District Executive, Elia Garcia; and Airport Director, Jeffrey Miller.
During the pilot period, the airport will enhance the Air Cargo Dual Customs Inspection Program with the purpose of increasing efficiency — while maintaining security — by utilizing UPS’ existing supply chain within the U.S. to ship cargo from Laredo, Texas to the Guadalajara International Airport in Mexico. Furthermore, merchandise will be pre-cleared in Laredo so that it arrives to Mexico as a domestic shipment. Cost savings are accomplished by utilizing a consolidated shipper and their existing flight route structures in the U.S., which will lower costs for customers.
Pictured from left to right: Member of the Airport Advisory Board for District 2, Omar Gonzalez; Economic Development Director, Teclo Garcia; Airport Director, Jeffrey Miller; City Manager, Robert A. Eads; Mayor Pete Saenz; Consul General from Mexico in Laredo, Juan Carlos Mendoza; U.S. Consul in Nuevo Laredo Political and Economic Officer, Preston Savarese; District 5 Council member Ruben Gutierrez; United Parcel Service (UPS) District Executive, Elia Garcia; Assistant Airport Director, Elsy Borgstedte; President of U.S. Customs Brokers Association, Monica Salinas.
“This efficient and secure pre-clearance pilot will support businesses and economic prosperity on both sides of the border, helping communities to bounce back faster from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said María Luisa Boyce, Vice President for UPS Global Public Affairs. “UPS applauds all the work done by the U.S. and Mexico governments to improve trade facilitation, and we are proud to play a role in these new and exciting developments.”
The Laredo International Airport is considered to be the 7th busiest cargo airport in Texas and 55th busiest in the United States. It has also been ranked as the 5th airport in the U.S. for volume of cargo flying to/from Mexico. The Air Cargo Dual Customs Inspection Program will be a continuous cooperation between the United States and Mexico to increase trade efficiency between both countries. The City of Laredo is committed to innovating and introducing new procedures for more efficiency in the shipments of cargo and trade.
