Impact of utilizing zero-emission vehicles in cross-border trade operations to be studied

6 hours ago 18

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – A binational bank, a university, and a transportation think tank are pooling resources to analyze the impacts of implementing zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in cross-border trade operations.

The year-long Electric Truck Cross-Border Drayage Comparative Pilot Study, costing 250,000, will focus on the Laredo-Nuevo Laredo port of entry.

The collaborators are: Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI), Texas A&M International University’s (TAMIU) A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business Texas Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development (TCBEED) and the North American Development Bank (NADBank). The research will be conducted in partnership with Forza Transportation Services and Trayecto GTM-Larmex, which will provide electric and natural gas vehicles for real-world testing and data collection.

Juan Villa, TTI research scientist and manager of the International Trade and Border Transportation Program, and Dr. Daniel Covarrubias, director of TAMIU’s TCBEED, will serve as co-principal investigators.

Covarrubias said the project has lofty goals. He said the study will examine potential environmental impacts and emissions reductions, operational efficiency and cost-benefit analysis, infrastructure requirements and logistics adaptations, and economic implications for the transportation industry.

“This study comes at a critical time as we see remarkable growth in cross-border trade through Port Laredo,” Covarrubias said. “Understanding the practical implications of ZEV adoption will be crucial for maintaining our region’s competitive advantage while advancing environmental sustainability.”

Villa said a comprehensive evaluation is being planned.

“The complexity of cross-border operations requires a careful analysis of how zero-emission vehicles can be effectively integrated into existing logistics chains. Our partnership with TAMIU and industry stakeholders positions us to provide comprehensive insights into this transition,” Villa said.

The participants officially signed an agreement for the project at NADBank’s San Antonio headquarters.

Salvador Lopez, chief environmental officer at NADBank, said the project represents a significant step forward in advancing sustainable transportation solutions along the U.S.–México border. He pointed out the project brings together leading academic institutions, industry partners and development organizations to analyze the economic and environmental feasibility and impact of electric and natural gas-powered commercial vehicles in cross-border operations.

“We are pleased to award these funds, which marks the second air quality project funded by the Bank in as many years related to the links between air quality and international commerce in Laredo, which is the largest port for U.S.–México trade,” Lopez said. “These funds came through the Bank’s Technical Assistance Program that provides grants to help border communities and other project sponsors create the knowledge necessary to help build more sustainable border infrastructure.”

TTI Chief Executive Officer and Agency Director Greg Winfree pointed out that the Laredo-Nuevo Laredo port of entry processes nearly six million commercial vehicles annually and is the primary gateway for U.S.–México trade.

“This research represents a crucial step in understanding how zero-emission technologies can transform cross-border logistics,” Winfree said. “The data and insights gathered will help shape the future of sustainable transportation infrastructure along the border.”

Dr. Luis Pérez-Batres, dean of TAMIU’s A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business, said the results of the study will inform policy decisions, infrastructure planning and industry practices, establishing a framework for the broader adoption of zero-emission vehicles in cross-border trade operations.

Emphasizing the project’s regional significance, Pérez-Batres said: “This pivotal study will deliver critical insights to unlock opportunities in sustainable cross-border transportation, driving progress for communities in the Laredo region and across North America.”

About TTI

Since 1950, experts at TTI have developed solutions to the problems and challenges facing all modes of transportation. TTI has a breadth and depth of programs, facilities, and capabilities unsurpassed by any other higher education-affiliated transportation research organization in the United States. With experience in engineering, planning, economics, policy, public engagement, landscape architecture, environmental sciences, data sciences, and the social sciences, TTI researchers serve as thought leaders.

They provide resources to local, state, and national agencies and groups, helping them solve transportation challenges and make informed decisions.

About TAMIU TCBEED

Since 1989, the TAMIU TCBEED has provided leadership and support to Texas border communities in their socio-economic development efforts, including activities in business, education, healthcare, public administration, and the environment. The TCBEED assists private and public entities with research, knowledge, information, and expertise in cross-border development. The TCBEED hosts and leads the Texas A&M International University Logistechs Living Lab, an innovation and research facility focused on improving the efficiency and competitiveness of cross-border trade and transportation through the use of exponential technologies. Learn more about Dr. Covarrubias’s work and TCBEED research initiatives by visiting http://texascenter.tamiu.edu, emailing dcova@tamiu.edu, or calling 956.326.2520.

About NADBank

The North American Development Bank (NADBank) is a bilateral financial institution established by the governments of the United States and México to provide financing, technical assistance, and other support for the development and implementation of infrastructure projects that help preserve, protect, and enhance the environment of the border region.