Borderlands Mexico is a weekly rundown of developments in the world of United States-Mexico cross-border trucking and trade. This week in Borderlands Mexico: Uber Freight sees earlier peak season, stronger Mexico demand; Mexico freight trucking sector outpaces broader economy in Q1; and 1.1M-square-foot logistics center planned in Phoenix area. Uber Freight sees earlier peak season, stronger Mexico demand Uber Freight says U.S.-Mexico freight markets are tightening faster than expected as strong produce exports, rising fuel costs and declining driver availability push cross-border transportation rates higher heading into the summer shipping season. The findings were included in Uber Freight’s Q2 Market Update & Outlook report released Thursday, which concluded that several market pressures expected later in 2026 are already impacting freight networks across North America. The report forecasts truckload spot rates will remain 20% to 25% above 2025 levels for the remainder of the year, while contract rates could rise 5% to 10%. “Peak season appears to be arriving earlier and behaving differently than normal,” Uber Freight said, citing a combination of produce volumes, fuel costs and tightening capacity. Mexico produce exports drive demand One of the strongest themes in the report is the impact of Mexico’s agricultural exports on cross-border freight markets. Uber Freight said produce volumes moving through Laredo are experiencing one of the heaviest seasons on record. March shipments of citrus, fruits and nuts from Mexico were up more than 36% compared to the same period in 2025, while total exports moving through Laredo increased 8% year over…
