News · Rules & filings
World Trade Bridge Saturday Hours: Open Until 7 p.m.
World Trade Bridge Saturday hours in Laredo now run until 7 p.m. in a 3-month test. See what it means for your border crossings.
Questions about how this affects your trucks? Talk to a licensed agent who ran his own authority.
What happened
The World Trade Bridge in Laredo now stays open later on Saturdays. Since Sept. 5, commercial cargo operations run from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Before, they ended at 4 p.m.
This is a three-month test, called a pilot program. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Mexico's customs agency ANAM and the City of Laredo worked on it together. CBP says the goal is more processing time for commercial traffic and less congestion at busy times.
KGNS in Laredo reported the first numbers on Sept. 20. During the second weekend, more than 1,300 trucks crossed in the three extra evening hours.
But that does not mean more trade. Kent Richard, the assistant bridge director, said crossings look like they are simply shifting. Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays saw fewer trucks. Officials also said computer problems at Mexican customs and holidays may have affected the early counts. They plan to study all three months before deciding what comes next.
What it means for owner-operators
If you run the Laredo border, you now have three more hours on Saturday. That can help when a load runs late or when weekday lines are long.
There is a catch. Many trucks are moving their crossings to Saturday, so the extra hours may fill up fast. Fewer trucks are crossing on Sunday through Wednesday, so those days may move faster.
The pilot is temporary. Nobody has said the longer hours will stay after the test ends. Do not build your whole schedule around them yet.
Waiting at a bridge also costs money. Fuel, driver time and late fees all add up. Planning your crossing day well can protect your margin.
What to do next
Use these steps before you plan a Saturday crossing:
- Ask your customs broker if your shipment can cross during the extended Saturday hours.
- Confirm that your customer, the broker and the Mexican side are ready for a Saturday evening crossing.
- Compare Saturday with Sunday to Wednesday. Choose the day that saves you time.
- Keep your TradeTag account balance ready. Our Laredo toll fines story explains why.
- Watch the news near the end of the three months for any change to the hours.
Do you cross the border with your own authority? Our filing guide shows the steps to keep your USDOT number and permits current.