(The Union Pacific Railroad issued the following on May 9.)
OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific’s capacity at the Eagle Pass, Texas and Piedras Negras, Mexico, rail border crossing has increased due to an extended hours-of-operation test authorized by U.S. and Mexican customs officials.
Extending the hours that custom officials inspect rail cars began a trial period April 16, which is scheduled to conclude on July 15, 2008. During the first weekend, April 19-20, an additional 800 rail cars above the weekend average year-to-date for 2008 (67 percent higher), passed through the gateway.
“We appreciate the cooperation from customs officials in both the United States and Mexico in considering and approving our request for expanded hours,” said Drew Collier, vice president – Mexico, Union Pacific. “Our performance over the last couple of weeks exceeded our expectations.”
Eagle Pass is Union Pacific’s second largest Mexican gateway. Union Pacific interchanges with the Ferrocarril Mexicano (Ferromex) at the Eagle Pass/Piedras Negras crossing. Finished vehicles, vehicle parts, beer and grain are the primary commodities transported to and from Mexico through this gateway.
Union Pacific is working closely with the customs agencies to continue improving rail operations at the Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras border crossing.