FW Desk News
FreightWatch.News
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
The revocation of roughly 25,000 Mexican truck driver visas has triggered a significant capacity shortage in cross-border freight. Tender rejection rates and spot rates are climbing sharply across key corridors, with conditions expected to persist well into 2027.
El Paso is experiencing the most acute pressure, with rejection rates peaking near 25% in July and holding around 20%. San Diego/Otay Mesa rejection rates have jumped to 10% from 3.9% year-over-year, while Laredo sits near 7%. This contrasts with the national tender rejection rate, which moved from 5.8% over the same period.
Spot rates reflect the tightened supply: San Diego-to-Phoenix routes are up 57% annually, Laredo-to-Dallas up 43%, and Laredo-to-Chicago up 35%. The Mexico Contract Volume Index shows relatively flat demand, indicating rate pressure stems from driver availability rather than increased freight volumes.
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