What caused the delay in opening Otay II to loaded trucks?

According to Canacar's regional representative Alfonso Millán Chávez, the postponement from October 30 to November 13-15 resulted from weather-related factors and technical conditions involving road infrastructure and freight vehicle specifications. These issues required additional time to resolve before the concrete ramp could safely accommodate loaded commercial trucks.

How many trucks per day are expected to use the bypass once fully operational?

Canacar estimates that opening the route to commercial freight transportation could divert approximately 2,000 trucks per day away from Tijuana's main boulevards. Currently, the pilot program records 600-800 empty trucks daily, which is below initial projections of 1,000-1,200 vehicles.

Which industries depend most on this infrastructure improvement?

Automotive, electronics, and medical device manufacturers are particularly dependent on predictable transportation times through this trade corridor. These export-oriented industries require reliable movement of components, raw materials, and finished products to maintain production operations and meet customer deadlines.

When will the full Otay II border crossing be operational?

The full Otay II border crossing is projected to open in late 2028. Mexico completed its infrastructure in 2024, but complementary U.S. facilities remain under development, which is why authorities implemented the bypass as a temporary solution to utilize the existing Mexican infrastructure.

What are the current constraints on border crossing efficiency?

Even with the bypass reducing travel distances through urban areas, crossing times depend on inspection capacity, customs procedures, and coordination between Mexican and U.S. authorities. Transportation industry representatives report that empty trucks currently face waiting times up to four hours on certain days, suggesting that infrastructure alone does not solve all bottlenecks.

Shipping & Freight

High Impact

Otay II Cargo Delays to Mid-November: Mexico-US Trade Impact

Nov 2, 2026

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The signal

The Otay I-Otay II bypass in Tijuana has postponed commercial cargo truck access from October 30 to mid-November (November 13-15) due to weather and technical infrastructure issues. This delay affects a critical trade corridor between Mexico and the United States, with implications for North American supply chains dependent on predictable border crossing times.

The bypass is designed to redirect approximately 2,000 trucks daily away from Tijuana's congested urban roads and is particularly important for automotive, electronics, and medical device manufacturers that rely on continuous component and finished goods movement. Currently, only empty trucks are using the bypass, with pilot data showing 600-800 vehicles per day (below the projected 1,000-1,200).

The full Otay II border crossing is not expected to open until late 2028, meaning this bypass represents a partial solution to improve freight flow while binational infrastructure development continues.

Companies affected by this story:

Cardinal Health

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Microchip Technology Inc.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What This Means for Your Supply Chain

Simulation Suggestion

immediate

What if loaded trucks cannot access Otay II until late November?

Simulate the impact of a two-week delay in loaded truck access to the Otay II bypass on shipping lead times from Tijuana to the U.S. Assume automotive and electronics manufacturers shipping components experience an additional 4-6 hour delay per crossing due to urban congestion routing. Model the effect on inventory holding costs and production schedules for manufacturers dependent on just-in-time supply chains.

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Simulation Suggestion

this month

What if the 2,000 truck daily diversion fails to materialize after November opening?

Model a scenario where actual truck volume using the Otay II bypass reaches only 1,000-1,200 vehicles per day instead of the projected 2,000. Simulate the operational impact on Tijuana's urban road congestion, waiting times at Otay I crossing, and supply chain predictability for manufacturers still relying on congested routes.

Run this scenario

Simulation Suggestion

strategic

What if U.S. Otay II infrastructure delays beyond late 2028?

Simulate the long-term impact if full Otay II border crossing completion slips beyond late 2028. Model the effect on supply chain routing strategies for companies currently planning for 2028-2029 capacity expansion. Assess whether manufacturers should build inventory buffers or pursue alternative sourcing strategies if predictable border crossing improvements remain uncertain.

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