Borderlands is a weekly recap of developments in the world of cross-border trucking and trade between the United States and Mexico. This week: Cyberattack disrupts Mexico’s transportation systems; Heniff Transportation acquires Texas tanker carrier; Bendix will expand production in Mexico, and CBP seizes $24 million worth of drugs at a California port of entry.

Cyberattack disrupts Mexican transportation systems

Mexico’s Ministry of Transportation has stopped issuing new permits, license plates and driver’s licenses to commercial truck operators until December 31 due to a cyberattack in late October, which could cause delays for carriers.

The Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) made the announcement Tuesday in the official federal government periodical. SICT tweeted that on October 24, its servers were hacked, indicating that “the cyber incident and emergency management plan has been activated and investigations are ongoing”.

SICT did not disclose what information or data was targeted, but said the “malware attack did not damage agency systems or compromise citizens’ personal data,” according to a statement from the agency. hurry. “One of these preventive measures to contain the spread of malware was the temporary suspension of systems so that their services were not compromised, to avoid serious breaches and even possible information theft.”

Mexican trucking industry officials said SICT’s decision to delay issuing new permits and licenses could hurt the country’s domestic supply chain, as well as cross-border trade with the United States.

“In cross-border transport services, the US authority has the power to apply for the driver’s license – not having the procedure record and the current document, supposes a large number of drivers and trucks that would lose all possibility of ‘operate,’ according to a press release from Mexico’s National Chamber of Freight Transport (CANACAR).

CANACAR said freight transport is the main mode of transporting goods and merchandise through Mexico.

“It contributes 3.3% of the national gross domestic product, 81% of inland freight, representing direct and indirect jobs for more than 6 million people,” CANACAR said. “This [also] moves 84% ​​of trade between Mexico and the United States »

Heniff Transportation acquires Texas tanker carrier

Heniff Transportation Systems recently announced the acquisition of the holding company of tanker operator Coal City Cob Co. Inc.

Based in Waxahachie, Texas, Coal City Cob provides liquid bulk transportation services to the chemical and hazardous waste industries. The company operates 302 trucks with over 230 drivers and 500 trailers. Coal City Cob has terminals in Dallas, Chicago, Cincinnati and Geismar, Louisiana.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Based in Oak Brook, Illinois, the Heniff family of companies provides liquid bulk transportation services. They operate 2,000 tractors and 5,000 trailers through a network of over 100 locations across the country.

Bendix expands production in Mexico

Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems has begun construction of a 185,000 square foot production facility at its Acuna, Mexico operation, according to a press release.

The plant will use automated manufacturing processes to produce globally scalable brake controls and globally scalable air handlers. Bendix manufactures automotive parts used in commercial trucks.

The new plant is expected to be completed in 2023 and will create 200 jobs. The new facility will join three Bendix manufacturing plants and a logistics center at the company’s Acuña campus, which manufactures everything from anti-lock braking systems, air dryers, compressors, valves and actuators to modules. integrated vehicles.

Bendix is ​​based in Avon, Ohio. The company’s customers include Freightliner, Kenworth and other heavy truck manufacturers.

CBP Seizes $24 Million in Drugs at California Port of Entry

US Customs and Border Protection officers recently intercepted more than 2.2 tons of narcotics in the span of two days from the port of entry at Otay Mesa, just south of San Diego.

The first incident occurred on October 20 when CBP officers were inspecting a shipment of green onions from Mexico. Officers reportedly discovered 1,529 pounds of methamphetamine hidden inside the shipment. The narcotics are worth approximately $3.3 million.

Two days later, CBP officers were inspecting a shipment of electronics from Mexico when they reportedly found 1,993 pounds of methamphetamine and 1,037 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $20.8 million.

The total estimated market value for the two seizures is $24.2 million. The cases have been turned over to Homeland Security.

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