Transportation Routes

There are few cities in the United States that have as much dependence on shipping for the well being of their economy to the same degree as Laredo. This city used to be just a small villa struggling for survival on the rugged border between the United States of America and Mexico; today it is the 88th largest city in the country and the biggest inland port to be found on the continent.

The reason for the huge success of this city over the last few decades is its proximity to the country of Mexico and the transportation routes that lie naturally along it. The city itself is located right on the Rio Grande, the traditional natural border between the two countries. It's also a natural trade route, which today is complemented by major highways, air traffic, and railroads.

Every major transportation company in the country has at least one depot located in Laredo. These companies ship heat resistant tape, manufactured goods, and other Mexican made items across the border between Nuevo Laredo and Laredo itself. From these locations, the goods are re-routed to their destinations in both countries.

The passage of the North American Free Trade agreement was highly beneficial to the economy of Laredo. A slings manufacturer can legally move to Mexico where labor is cheaper for their factory, and then ship the product across the border into Laredo where it will be sold within the United States at huge profit. While NAFTA may be under fire from some quarters, the city of Laredo is certainly not one of them.

The Information Age and the expansion of the Internet also ushered in a new age for the city of Laredo. No longer must the companies based in Laredo incur costs travelling from town to town creating agreements; instead, these agreements can be made in real time through electronic contract manufacturing and other net facilitated measures.

The growth of the various industries within Laredo and the employment they create mean that many different spin off jobs are created within the city. Whether it is backfill restoration or construction, a wide range of services exist to provide the citizens and businesses of the city with the support they need in their day-to-day lives.

In short, the city of Laredo has built up a diversified economy that nevertheless is strongly based on its location and reputation as a major international shipping point. From shrink sleeve for packaging to electronic components and clothing, goods which are easy to produce can be created in Mexico and then shipped north to the United States through the facilities provided by Laredo. It's one of the most important links in the North American trade chain.