Puerto Colombia Records a 264% Increase in Passenger Traffic to the United States

Less than a year after the opening of the La Gloria-Colombia Highway, Puerto Colombia has recorded a 264% increase in passenger traffic, consolidating its position as a strategic corridor for strengthening connectivity between Nuevo León and the United States. The new infrastructure has streamlined access to the international crossing, improved security along the route, and provided a more efficient option for trade and cross-border mobility.

During the Port Laredo Global Trade Summit, Devorah Karren, Director of Promotion for Puerto Colombia and Director of International Relations for the State of Nuevo León, explained that the highway transformed access to the port by eliminating the need to travel through another state to reach the border.

“Previously, to reach Puerto Colombia, you had to travel through another state before arriving at our port. Now, the entire route is within Nuevo León, and it has been extremely successful,” she said.

La Gloria-Colombia Highway Strengthens Logistics Connectivity with the United States

In addition to providing a more direct route, the La Gloria-Colombia Highway has improved connectivity for freight carriers that do not need to stop in Laredo, Texas.

Commercial vehicles can connect to State Highway 255 and then merge onto Interstate 35, one of North America’s most important logistics corridors.

According to Karren, this connectivity has driven sustained growth in the use of the port, particularly in passenger traffic, which has increased by 264% since the corridor opened.

She added that more travelers are using Puerto Colombia to complete their U.S. entry procedures before continuing to cities such as San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and Houston.

Security and Infrastructure Drive Puerto Colombia’s Growth

Another factor contributing to Puerto Colombia’s growth is the security strategy implemented along the La Gloria-Colombia Highway.

Karren explained that the corridor is supported by two Fuerza Civil security stations and more than 750 security personnel who conduct continuous patrols to ensure safe conditions for truck drivers and travelers.

“We are constantly patrolling the highway. We have two Civil Force stations, one at the beginning of the La Gloria-Colombia Highway and another inside the port. More than 750 security personnel patrol the corridor every day and night to ensure the safety of everyone traveling through it,” she said.

Beyond the increase in traffic figures, Karren said the development of the corridor, infrastructure investments, and promotion of Puerto Colombia have helped position it as a strategic gateway for connectivity between Nuevo León and the United States.

She recalled that, until only a few years ago, many residents of Monterrey were unaware that Nuevo León had a direct border crossing into Texas. She said investments in infrastructure, port promotion, and service improvements have begun to change that perception, consolidating Puerto Colombia as an increasingly attractive alternative for international trade and cross-border mobility.