The turmoil in Laredo started soon after President Donald Trump's threat to put tariffs on Mexican goods. It hasn't let up since—even after he backed down.

“It's a logistics nightmare,” said Jose Gonzalez, a customs broker in the Texas border town that just this year became the largest U.S. port of entry. He's hired by companies to ensure goods cross the border in top shape and would pay any tariffs up front.

Last week, Gonzalez fielded dozens of calls from factories and organized to double some orders before the levies took effect. After Trump lifted his threat Friday night, companies frantically messaged again to resume their regular delivery pace. This week, he was still dealing with a crunch of resources and space, finding that for every truck in Laredo, there were about two loads that need to be moved to their final destinations.