SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — Construction work on a train processing facility just south of the border in Tijuana is on track to be finished next month, potentially increasing the number of freight trains entering the U.S. from Baja California.
A company called Admicarga oversees trains that now cross the border to and from Mexico.
On the way south, most carry materials and parts that are used to assemble products at factories in Baja.
Upon their return to the U.S., however, the boxcars are empty, something Admicarga wants to change.
It started expanding its processing site last November, adding space and technology such as gamma-ray equipment so U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers can see what the trains are carrying.
Antonio Otáñez, director of Admicarga, told the El Sol Newspaper in Tijuana their goal is to double processing capacity up to 5,500 containers per year.
“Right now, trains entering the United States are empty, that’s why we are putting in this infrastructure so we can return loaded trains north of the border,” he said. “Companies are now considering us to transport their products into the U.S.”
Otáñez says more freight exported via train is good for the environment decreasing the need for trucks that congest the commercial side of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, clog up highways on both sides of the border and pollute the air.
“This will also lower the cost of logistics related to transportation for the maquiladoras that are looking to transport their products.”
Right now, CBP officers are in charge of opening a large gate that allows trains to enter the U.S. while doing visual inspections.
The agency did not respond to Border Report’s inquiries about whether Admicarga’s plan to send more trains and cargo north of the border is feasible.
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