
Logistics providers increase focus on Mexico
Logistics providers are expanding their services in Mexico, possibly anticipating a renewed interest in sourcing products from Mexico. Or it might just be that the existing process for getting products across the border from Mexico to the U.S. is so difficult, shippers need more 3PL-type services in the regions.
At the same time, some supply chain experts are hinting that in the wake of the China sourcing scares and increasing logistics costs, Mexican suppliers may be seeing more business in the near future.
In either case, logistics providers are making clear efforts to step up their offerings around the U.S.-Mexico border. In July DHL introduced a new cross-border service based out of Harlingen, Texas, capable of handling triple the volume of its previous offering as well as heavier palletized freight and non-conveyable material to meet the growing logistics needs in the Rio Grande Valley and Northern Mexico regions.
Con-way Freight in mid-July acquired truckload carrier CFI, saying “combining CFI’s network, experience and expertise with Con-way Freight’s Mexico network and Menlo’s in-country and border-based logistics operations significantly improves the combined company’s presence and capabilities in Mexico.”
On Monday, Averitt Express opened a new supply chain solutions facility in Pharr/McAllen, Texas only four miles from the U.S./Mexico border. Because the new facility is so close to the border, Averitt can begin processing their customers’ freight and transloading goods for nationwide distribution faster than ever before.
Most recently, FedEx has expanded its FedEx Transborder Distribution service for cross-border trade between Mexico and the U.S. by opening new facilities in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico and El Paso, Texas to help facilitate the flow of goods.