URGENT: Mexico Security Advisory, Northeast Winter Storm & Tariff Update
We are actively managing three significant developments affecting supply chains:
Ongoing security-related volatility in Mexico
A major winter storm impacting the Northeastern United States
A material change in U.S. tariff policy following the Supreme Court ruling
Please review the updates below, as each may affect your transit times, landed cost, and customs treatment.
Mexico Security Update – Force Majeure in Effect
We are closely monitoring the rapidly evolving security situation in Mexico following the reported death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Following reports of his death, multiple states across central and western Mexico have experienced retaliatory violence, including highway blockades, burning vehicles, increased military activity.
What We’re Seeing on the Ground
Highway blockades and road closures in key freight corridors
Increased military and federal police presence
Temporary suspension of some carrier operations in high-risk zones
Route diversions increasing transit times
Delays in both domestic Mexico and cross-border shipments
States currently experiencing heightened disruption include Baja California, Colima, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacan, Oaxaca, Nuevo Leon, Quintana Roo, Tamaulipas, and portions of central Mexico. Conditions are fluid and can change rapidly.
Force Majeure Notice:
Due to civil unrest, government security operations, and roadway blockades beyond our control, we are formally placing affected Mexico operations under Force Majeure provisions effective immediately. While we are making every commercially reasonable effort to mitigate delays, transit times cannot be guaranteed while instability continues.
Our Executive Leadership team has begun emergency strategy sessions, and daily operational reviews are underway to monitor lane-level risk, escalations, and recovery timelines.
Impact to Manufacturers
With the security volatility in Mexico, you may experience:
Extended transit times in western and central Mexico
Possible cross-border delays northbound and southbound
Increased risk to just-in-time production schedules
Higher probability of congestion once corridors reopen
What We Recommend:
Identify production-critical shipments immediately
Review safety stock levels and buffer inventory
Communicate time-sensitive freight to your account representative
Prepare contingency plans, including expedite options if needed
Northeast Winter Storm – LTL & Regional Disruptions
Meanwhile, a major winter storm, widely reported as a powerful nor’easter impacting the Northeast, has caused widespread terminal closures and service interruptions across several LTL networks. Some areas are expected to see as much as a foot or two of snow and blizzard conditions.
What We’re Seeing on the Ground
Multiple LTL terminals are closed or have limited operations across the New England region
Pickup service disruptions expected today
Delayed starts at select terminals (mostly in PA)
A State of Emergency was declared in New Jersey
Note: Our Mt. Joy, PA facility is closed on Mondays; therefore, no linehaul movements are impacted from that facility today.
Carrier-specific operational notes are being closely tracked and communicated at the lane level.
Impact to Manufacturers
With the winter weather in the Northeast, you may experience:
Delayed pickups and deliveries across Northeast lanes
Potential 24–72 hour recovery delays once terminals reopen
Increased freight volume congestion midweek
Possible downstream production impact if inventory is tight
What We Recommend:
Prioritize urgent Northeast shipments
Communicate critical pickups to our team immediately
Build in recovery time to delivery schedules
Evaluate alternative routing or expedite options where necessary
U.S. Tariff Update – IEEPA Ruling & New 15% Global Tariff
As we reported on Friday, the Supreme Court of the United States issued a ruling materially impacting tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
Based on communications from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP):
Collection of IEEPA tariffs will cease at 12:00 a.m. ET on February 24, 2026
IEEPA-related tariff codes are being deactivated in ACE
This change affects IEEPA duties only and does not affect any other duties, including duties imposed under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, and section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended.
There is currently no formal refund mechanism announced for previously paid IEEPA duties.
Additionally, the Administration announced a new 15% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, effective 12:01 a.m. ET on February 24, 2026. This measure is separate from IEEPA and applies alongside existing Section 232 and Section 301 tariffs, subject to guidance and exclusions.
Further CBP Chapter 99 filing instructions are expected.
Impact to Importers
What this means for you:
Immediate shift in duty application on new entries
Potential future refund opportunity for previously paid IEEPA duties (pending CBP guidance)
Increased landed cost exposure under the 15% global tariff
Possible bond sufficiency and cash flow implications
What We Recommend:
Adjust landed cost models for the 15% tariff
Catalog all entries where IEEPA duties were paid (retain all entry numbers, entry dates, HTS classifications, and duty payment records)
Monitor liquidation timelines to protect protest rights
Confirm HTS classifications are accurate and defensible
Reassess applicability of Section 122, Section 232, Section 301, and other special measures.
Review continuous bond sufficiency given increased duty exposure
Maintain organized entry documentation for future claims, audits, or refund processes
How ProTrans is Responding
Emergency Senior Leadership Team meetings are in progress
Daily operational emergency briefings are being conducted
Monitoring real-time security advisories, carrier intelligence, and customs updates
Communicating directly with vetted carrier partners on the ground
Proactive rerouting freight and conducting recovery planning where appropriate
Preparing contingency expedite options if required
Ongoing monitoring of CBP CSMS updates and official releases
Our team can help you assess risk exposure on specific lanes and provide mitigation strategies tailored to your network. Our Global Air & Expedites team is also available with 24/7 support to provide solutions for any time-critical freight if it becomes necessary.
Driver safety, shipment security, and production continuity remain our top priorities.
We will continue providing updates as conditions evolve. If you have freight currently in transit or scheduled to move through impacted regions, please contact your representative immediately for lane-specific guidance so we can evaluate options.