How a $10 Billion Autonomous Corridor Could Transform US–Mexico Trade

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The Laredo–Nuevo Laredo region is the busiest land-based trade gateway in North America. In 2023, trucks from this corridor carried more than 47 percent of US–Mexico trade and 36 percent of Mexico’s outbound shipments.

The Port of Laredo handled a record 3 million truck crossings in 2024, an increase of 28 percent since 2019. Congestion remains persistent. Wait times often exceed 45 minutes on weekday afternoons at the World Trade and Colombia–Solidarity bridges. The issue worsens during shifts in trade policy, such as early 2025 tariffs that led to long queues and protests by Mexican drivers. Local officials warn that without upgrades, wait times could double by 2030.

Introducing Green Corridors’ proposed guideway

Green Corridors, based in Austin and Houston, plans to build an elevated 165-mile automated freight guideway between Laredo and Monterrey. Approved by presidential permit on June 9, 2025, the plan includes four terminals, two near each city.

Designed for freight trips under 200 miles, the guideway complements rail and truck routes. Truck drivers will drop trailers at one terminal. Autonomous diesel-electric hybrid shuttles will transport the loads, and trucks at the other end will handle delivery. The privately funded project is required to begin construction by June 2030, with testing slated for 2031.

Technology and logistics considerations

The guideway will use diesel-electric autonomous shuttles traveling on elevated tracks above roadways. The system, which resembles a conveyor belt, includes staging yards and automated machinery at each terminal to handle freight transfers. Since the corridor serves freight only, it eliminates vehicle conflicts and can reduce truck-related emissions by up to 75 percent.

With a projected 99.9 percent uptime, the system could reduce dwell times at US Customs and Border Protection facilities. It may also divert up to 30 percent of heavy-duty trucks from highways, easing road wear and municipal maintenance costs.

Regulatory and binational permitting complexities

The presidential permit requires construction to begin within five years. It marks the fourth such permit issued for Laredo-area infrastructure. Green Corridors must still secure approvals from Mexican authorities, complete land acquisitions, and fulfill environmental impact reviews.

The project avoids eminent domain by aligning with regional development priorities and minimizing community disruption. US stakeholders view the relocation of inspections and freight lanes as a public safety improvement.

Financial strategy and stakeholder alignment

Estimated between $6 billion and $10 billion, the project will be funded entirely by private capital. Key backers include the Swinbank family office in Houston, Druker Capital in New York, and the Chang Robotics Fund in Jacksonville.

A toll-like revenue model will charge carriers per trailer. Proponents cite reduced congestion, emissions savings, and lower highway maintenance as long-term cost advantages.

Trade dynamics and supply-chain resilience

The corridor supports the growing shift toward nearshoring as manufacturers relocate from China to Mexico. Logistics experts view the project as timely, given continued trade disruptions and tight freight capacity.

Mexico’s truckload sector offers flexibility but remains exposed to risks such as customs outages and cargo theft. The guideway offers a controlled, resilient alternative for short-haul freight.

Anticipated timeline, challenges, and next steps

Green Corridors must break ground by June 2028, with testing expected by 2031. Remaining steps include Mexican regulatory approval, land assembly, and detailed engineering.

Other infrastructure projects in Laredo, including bridge expansions, could affect freight traffic patterns. The success of the guideway will influence potential replication at other high-volume crossings.

If implemented successfully, the corridor could redefine short-haul freight across borders. It may handle up to 1.5 million trailer-equivalent units annually, reducing urban truck traffic by as much as 30 percent. The model aligns with broader goals for North American supply chain modernization and could inspire private sector-led infrastructure upgrades elsewhere.

Sources:

• El Paso Inc