UPDATE - Embargo of Certain Shipments Destined for Mexico in Preparation for Border Opening

BNSF remains in regular communication with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) following Monday’s closure of the Eagle Pass and El Paso crossings due to the migrant crisis at the Mexico-Texas border. Although an exact timeline for opening the border has not been received from the CBP, BNSF plans to issue a temporary permit embargo affecting southbound traffic moving through Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas to Mexico. This embargo will impact all shipments excluding automotive and intermodal. Automotive and intermodal shipments, which are being managed through alternate means, are not covered by this embargo. The embargo will take effect immediately.

The purpose of this embargo is to ensure the fluidity of traffic and avoid congestion during the reopening of rail operations across the border. While this embargo action may lead to some additional disruption to our affected customers in the short term, we are confident that this measure will provide the additional capacity needed to expedite recovery and resume cross-border operations once the interchanges are reopened.

BNSF will issue permits on a case-by-case basis. Permit requests must be submitted one week prior to the desired shipment date. Customers can submit permit requests, as well as obtain more information, through this online form. Customers are responsible for obtaining the required permits for all cross-border embargoes with each designated interchange carrier.

About Embargoes:
Embargoes are temporary holds placed on freight to restrict the acceptance and handling of freight. You can search embargoes at the Association of American Railroads (AAR) Embargo Railinc website (enter "BNSF" in the Issuing Road field to view active embargoes).