APPENDIX 1:

 DESCRIPTION OF CURRENT AND PROPOSED CROSS GULF AND
 PACIFIC COAST SERVICES BETWEEN THE U.S. AND MEXICO


 The following are descriptions of current and proposed marine cargo services between
Mexico and the United States which can facilitate perishable movements. The listing may not
be exhaustive.


 PROTEXA BURLINGTON INTERNATIONAL

 In April 1993, Burlington Northern and Grupo Protexa S.A. de C.V. launched a joint
venture known as Protexa Burlington International or PBI. The service employs seagoing
barges, each carrying up to 54 railcars, operating between Galveston and Coatzacoalcos.
Currently, two barges per week call at Coatzacoalcos. PBI intends to expand its services to
Veracruz and Altamira. In addition, PBI is considering construction of an additional deck on
its barges to accommodate over-the-road trailers.

 Typical trip times follow:

 Dwell and loading time in Galveston: 1 day
 Galveston to Coatzacoalcos: 4 days
 Offload and dwell time in Coatzacoalcos: 1 day
 Travel on FNM to Mexico City: 2 days
 TOTAL GALVESTON TO MEXICO CITY: 8 days
 Discharge cargo: 3 days
 Return on FNM to Coatzacoalcos: 2 days
 Dwell and loading time in Coatzacoalcos: 1 day
 Travel to Galveston: 4 days
 Offload and dwell in Galveston: 1 day
 TOTAL ROUNDTRIP: 19 days

It should be noted that Coatzacoalcos is the most distant port. Crossings to Altamira and
Veracruz will be shorter. In addition, PBI is currently uses Russian-made tugs. Shifting to U.S.
tugs would shorten the roundtrip time by a day.