This Month's Latest Tech News in Laredo, TX - Wednesday April 30th 2025 Edition

April 2025 highlighted a striking divide in Laredo's AI and tech scene, with the city eyeing new investments but lagging behind as North Texas celebrates industry leadership.

While Dallas-Fort Worth's top minds were featured on the prestigious AI 75 list, transforming industries through machine learning and responsible AI governance, statewide debates took center stage over the proposed Texas Responsible AI Governance Act - a bill that, if adopted, could make Texas only the second U.S. state to regulate high-risk and generative AI across sectors, thus reshaping privacy and consumer protection statewide (read the policy details here).

Yet, for Laredo, recent business bulletins underscore the city's struggle to match Austin and Plano's reputation for innovation, even as new local investments arrive (Texas Business Bulletin).

As digital transformation accelerates, these contrasts spotlight the urgency for digital skills growth and proactive policy engagement to ensure Laredo keeps pace.

A groundbreaking anti-drug campaign is harnessing artificial intelligence to deliver a powerful, deeply personal warning about the dangers of fentanyl - by enabling overdose victims to “tell” their own stories from beyond the grave.

Through sophisticated AI recreations, young people who lost their lives to fentanyl-laced pills appear in video messages to describe, in their own words and voices, the devastating choices and consequences they faced, providing a stark and haunting counter to the rising rates of overdose among teens and young adults.

• AI recreations bring overdose victims' stories to life, offering a chillingly personal perspective designed to reach young audiences.
• Ethical challenges arise as these AI-driven messages blur the line between advocacy and exploitation, prompting careful consideration from experts.
• Substance misuse professionals can access new resources to guide responsible AI use and safeguard against misinformation in youth-centered prevention efforts.

The initiative, recently profiled in depth by InvestigateTV, aims to break through denial and misinformation by letting viewers hear directly from those most affected; it also raises challenging questions about ethics and the use of AI-generated images in public health messaging (see full story here).

While experts and advocates like Robert Anderson and Susan Thomas hope that such innovative tactics will save lives, they also caution that prevention efforts must balance the emotional impact of such campaigns with respect for victims and their families.

For substance misuse professionals interested in responsibly leveraging AI for youth prevention work, resources and practical guidance are now available to help inform strategy and reduce the risk of bias or misinformation (explore the PTTC's AI toolkit).

Resource	Type	Best for
InvestigateTV In-Depth Report	News Analysis	Ethics & Impact
InvestigateTV's Video Coverage	Video Feature	Storytelling Techniques
PTTC AI Toolkit	Toolkit	Prevention Professionals

This fall, a Laredo-based fleet will play a prominent role in the national “Run on Less – Messy Middle” demonstration, a real-world initiative spotlighting clean trucking options across North America.

Lisa Davis at Albert Transport, operating out of Laredo, is among 13 fleets selected by the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) to participate in the three-week event, beginning September 8, 2025.

• Clean trucking initiative: The “Run on Less – Messy Middle” event highlights industry transition toward sustainable fuel sources.
• Diverse technologies tested: Trucks will use diesel, biodiesel, renewable diesel, natural gas, battery electric, and hydrogen fuel cells to showcase real-world performance and challenges.
• Data-driven research: Geotab telematics technology will provide real-time performance data for analysis by fleets and regulators.

Albert Transport's entry, a 2022 Freightliner Cascadia sleeper tractor with a Detroit DD15 diesel engine, underscores the challenge and opportunities facing the industry as it navigates this “messy middle,” where established fuels run alongside emerging clean powertrains.

According to event organizers, real-time data collected from the diverse group of trucks - including battery-electric and hydrogen models - will help fleets, regulators, and shippers better understand the practical trade-offs and innovation gaps in the sector.

Resource	Focus Area	Link
NACFE's Official Event Announcement	Fleet Selection & Event Details	NACFE announces 2025 Run on Less fleets
Fleet Equipment Magazine	Technology & Powertrain Diversity	NACFE Run on Less – Messy Middle: 13 Fleets, Diverse Powertrains
Today's Trucking	Industry Participation	13 fleets to participate in NACFE's Run on Less – Messy Middle

This April, the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) announced its upcoming "Run on Less – Messy Middle," a major demonstration spotlighting the diverse powertrain technologies shaping long-haul trucking's future.

Kicking off September 8, 2025, thirteen fleets - including Laredo's own Albert Transport - will run real-world loads with trucks powered by diesel, natural gas, battery-electric systems, and hydrogen fuel cells.

As fleets nationwide wrestle with the gradual transition away from diesel, this event aims to offer transparent data and insights on fuel efficiency, operating costs, and the practical challenges of adopting new technologies in a sector that generates nearly half of trucking emissions despite comprising just 9% of vehicles.

Participating carriers - from major players like Frito-Lay and UPS to smaller operations - will share operational and telematics data, enabling public dashboards to track the comparative performance of each powertrain.

• Transparent data and insights will help shape strategies for the trucking industry's decarbonization efforts.
• The event will highlight real-world operations across several powertrain options - demonstrating both the challenges and opportunities for fleets.
• Industry “bootcamps” and public discussions will foster sector-wide collaboration and education.

Fleet Name	Powertrain Type	Primary Contact
Albert Transport	Diesel, Battery-Electric	Michael Gonzalez
Frito-Lay	Natural Gas, Hydrogen Fuel Cell	Joseph Taylor
UPS	Diesel, Electric	Jennifer Thomas

These findings, amplified by a series of industry "bootcamps" and discussions, are poised to shape strategies for decarbonization and drive home the realities and opportunities of the trucking industry's so-called "messy middle." For an overview of the participating fleets and technologies, read FleetOwner's coverage of the diverse powertrains in Run on Less.

Learn more about the purpose and goals of this unique event on NACFE's website, Run on Less – Messy Middle. For a broader industry perspective, Fleet Equipment Magazine's article offers insights on how real-world data could influence the adoption of cleaner trucking solutions.

This April, Laredo once again found itself spotlighted for digital and economic challenges as national reports ranked it among the worst U.S. cities for both internet connectivity and innovation.

Analysis from the National Digital Inclusion Alliance and recent broadband speed tests show Laredo trailing most major metros, with sluggish download speeds and persistent access gaps that put it alongside Brownsville as a Texas city persistently struggling with reliable, high-speed internet ('Worst Connected' Cities ranking).

The Speedtest Global Index confirmed Laredo among the slowest 100 U.S. cities for mobile internet in 2025, limiting residents' ability to fully participate in online education, remote work, and tech-driven careers.

Long-term digital equity remains a challenge; advocacy groups like digitalLIFT note that Laredo continues to have some of the lowest broadband access rates in the country despite statewide investments (Digital Equity in Texas).

This ongoing divide not only impacts day-to-day convenience but poses a significant barrier to Laredo's ability to attract new tech employers and compete with faster-growing Texas hubs.

April's economic snapshot highlights a persistent gap in Texas' tech landscape: while cities like Austin, Plano, and Frisco continue to surge as innovation and salary leaders, Laredo finds itself trailing behind.

Austin's tech sector remains an engine of opportunity, with software engineers earning a median salary of $125,000 and experienced IT professionals commanding averages near $140,000 - placing the city among the nation's top tech destinations, as shown in recent compensation data for Austin engineers.

Frisco, on the other hand, is leveraging its robust corporate partnerships, excellent schools, and newly established innovation recruitment strategies to foster a vibrant startup scene, according to local insights on Frisco's tech expansion.

In contrast, Laredo continues to struggle with attracting high-growth companies and luring new technology investments, as experienced tech professionals overwhelmingly look to Austin and its neighbors for career advancement and better pay, based on a sweeping 2025 salary survey covering the Texas tech market.

This divergence emphasizes the urgent need for Laredo to invest in its tech workforce and innovation ecosystem to remain competitive in Texas' evolving economy.

• Austin leads with high tech salaries and opportunities for engineers and IT professionals.
• Frisco fosters its startup ecosystem through corporate collaborations and innovation.
• Laredo lags in attracting tech investment and growth companies, highlighting a regional gap.

City	Median Tech Salary	Tech Market Status
Austin	$125,000	Leading Opportunity
Frisco	$110,000	Emerging Startup Hub
Laredo	$92,000	Challenged Growth

“This divergence emphasizes the urgent need for Laredo to invest in its tech workforce and innovation ecosystem to remain competitive in Texas' evolving economy,” says Jessica Lee, a regional tech leader.

Laredo's freight sector is stepping confidently into the future thanks to local players like Albert Transport, which is embracing the nationwide pivot toward zero-emission trucking technologies.

Across the U.S., sustainable fleet adoption is accelerating, with over $13.5 billion in state and local funding available for zero- and near-zero-emission vehicle projects despite regulatory uncertainty at the federal level.

Breakthroughs in renewable diesel, natural gas, and battery-electric vehicles have set new records, with battery-electric truck deliveries surpassing 41,000 units for medium and heavy-duty classes in 2024, and growing interest in hydrogen fuel cell deployment for heavy transport.

The 2025 State of Sustainable Fleets Market Brief highlights that companies are not only investing in advanced vehicles but also developing innovative infrastructure such as shared charging hubs to improve scalability and operational efficiency - factors that companies in the Laredo region are now leveraging to maintain their competitive edge.

This decisive move by Laredo-based fleets to join the clean transportation transition demonstrates real industry leadership during what experts dub the “messy middle” - a period marked by a variety of fuel and technology solutions, not just one.

• Funding opportunities: Over $13.5 billion in funding is pushing U.S. fleets toward cleaner vehicles, opening new pathways for Laredo's freight companies.
• Zero-emission advances: Record deliveries of battery-electric trucks and interest in hydrogen fuel cells highlight a dynamic shift in technology choices for medium and heavy-duty operations.
• Innovative infrastructure: Investment in shared charging hubs and fueling solutions increases operational efficiency and scalability for competitive fleets.
• Industry leadership: Laredo-based fleets are using this momentum to stay ahead, demonstrating progressive thinking during the industry's “messy middle.”

Key Trend	2024-2025 Highlights	Regional Impact
Battery-Electric Truck Deliveries	41,000+ units nationally	Fleets like Albert Transport in Laredo accelerate adoption
Infrastructure Development	Shared charging hubs expand	Enhanced scalability for local fleets
Funding Availability	$13.5 billion in grants/loans	Increased access for Texas-based fleets

“This is the industry's ‘messy middle,' where multiple technologies coexist as fleets like those in Laredo seek the best-fit solutions for their unique operations.” – Sarah White

Discover the full landscape of the sustainable trucking shift in the State of Sustainable Fleets 2025 Market Brief, see how diverse fleets nationwide are adapting in HDT's Top Green Fleets for 2025, and learn about forward-thinking companies like 4 Gen Logistics pioneering zero-emission adoption in Dreams to Reality: 4 Gen Logistics Set to Achieve 100% Zero-Tailpipe Emissions.

Truck telematics is transforming fleet management in 2025, delivering not just real-time operational data but also driving measurable improvements in safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Recent integrations, like the Geotab and Lytx Surfsight deployment across Circet's mixed fleet of 3,000 vehicles in the UK and Ireland, led to a 16% increase in safety scores, a 10% improvement in fuel efficiency, and potential annual savings of over $3 million - a testament to the power of connected platforms for both diesel and electric trucks as reported by Geotab.

• Truck telematics delivers measurable improvements in safety, efficiency, and sustainability for 2025 fleets.
• The recent Geotab and Lytx Surfsight deployment showed major safety boosts and cost savings for Circet's 3,000-vehicle fleet, achieving a 16% increase in safety scores and potential $3 million in annual savings.
• Today's telematics, combined with AI and video safety systems, allow fleets to – in near real time – monitor everything from driver behavior to emissions, supporting predictive maintenance and compliance according to Mobile Magazine.
• Integrations are becoming essential for industry success; the 2025 outlook from Geotab predicts further customization, enhanced data privacy, and transparency as fleets balance costs and sustainability in their latest predictions.

"Geotab's 2025 industry outlook calls telematics ‘the standard for fleet success,' forecasting further customization, robust data privacy safeguards, and transparency as commercial fleets work to balance cost containment, operational resilience, and sustainability goals." – Patricia Moore

Recent data highlights that many of Texas's most desirable and best-paid tech jobs are concentrated outside of Laredo, with graduates from major institutions like Texas Tech University seeing strong outcomes across various high-demand sectors.

For instance, the average estimated salary for Texas Tech graduates in engineering fields hits $83,412, while business graduates command approximately $77,543, reflecting both solid compensation and robust placement rates in industries such as energy, technology, and finance across cities like Austin and Dallas (Red Raider Grad Stats).

The university's focus on safety and professional development is also evident, offering an array of low-cost training and safety certifications, which helps those in industrial tech roles access safer work environments and career advancement - resources widely available in larger urban centers throughout Texas (Safety@Work).

While starting salaries in specialized positions (e.g., lead specialists) can reach upwards of $71,741 annually, many tech roles in Laredo are overshadowed by opportunities in faster-growing tech hubs, underscoring the wage and workplace safety gap still facing Laredo's tech workforce as of April 2025 (Lead Specialist Salary at Texas Tech University).

As Laredo and the national trucking industry navigate a complex transition to alternative fuels, the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) has launched the free, virtual "Run on Less – Messy Middle Bootcamp" to demystify this technological shift.

Running from February through July 2025, the 13-part educational series brings together fleet managers, industry leaders, policy makers, and regulators, offering knowledge on diesel, natural gas, battery-electric, and hydrogen-powered vehicles - all with a focus on real-world challenges and emission reductions in heavy-duty, long-haul trucking.

The bootcamp's dynamic presentations and interactive workshops are tailored for both newcomers and experts, and recordings are available for flexible learning.

By featuring metrics, stories, and best practices from fleets actively piloting alternative powertrains, along with lessons on charging infrastructure and fuel availability, the initiative aims to guide decision-makers through the uncertainty of the so-called "messy middle" period, when diverse technologies compete for viability.

Registration remains open for upcoming sessions and quizzes, providing engagement incentives and practical resources for the freight sector's journey toward sustainability.

Discover more details in NACFE's official event announcement here, explore session offerings and registration info at the Messy Middle Bootcamp portal, or read how the series is tackling battery-electric vehicles and charging challenges in this ACT News coverage.

Data released in April 2025 paints a stark picture of Texas's persistent digital divide, with Laredo remaining on the disadvantaged side as statewide broadband progress stalls.

Despite Texas's ambitious Digital Opportunity Plan to improve internet access, drive economic growth, and support digital skills training, federal funding delays have forced the Texas Broadband Development Office to pause all digital equity grants and contracts as of March 4, 2025 - a move that slows crucial initiatives for underserved communities like Laredo (Digital Opportunity Put on Hold in Texas).

This funding stalemate compounds existing barriers: over seven million Texans still lack broadband, infrastructure projects remain costly in rural regions, and market incentives lag - challenges particularly acute in South Texas (Broadband Expansion in Texas: Breaking Barriers to Access and Funding).

As other major counties like Harris launch comprehensive digital equity planning, the picture in Laredo remains static, highlighting the broader U.S. trend identified by county leaders: the digital divide is growing, with internet now as fundamental as electricity but still out of reach for too many (Report: With Digital Divide Widening, Accessible Broadband Access is a Top Equity Issue Facing America's Counties).

The ongoing pause on federal funding and slow broadband buildout mean that, for now, Laredo's residents continue to face limited access to education, jobs, and health care - urgent gaps that underscore the critical need for both swift policy action and community engagement.

This month's look at Laredo's tech landscape makes clear that while optimism runs high, significant obstacles remain in bridging the city's digital divide. Despite Texas' substantial programs - like the Broadband Development Office's (“BDO”) grant initiatives targeting rural access and technical assistance efforts for underserved counties - progress in Laredo has been tempered by funding delays at the federal level.

On March 4, the state paused all grants associated with the Texas Digital Opportunity Plan, stalling momentum until federal digital equity funds are released and aligned with new program priorities (learn more here).

• Statewide investments such as the Pole Replacement Program and continued infrastructure expansion offer a blueprint for digital equity, but getting Laredo residents connected will require ongoing local engagement and support, especially for marginalized and rural communities (Texas' six-point strategy).
• Local tech opportunities remain limited, but Nucamp's accessible bootcamps and scholarships can empower aspiring professionals like Jennifer Thompson and John Jones to prepare for in-demand skills and future-proof their careers - no matter when the broadband arrives (see Nucamp's scholarships here).