Grupo Directo Express announced that as part of its expansion plans for this year, it will focus on expanding its services in the port of Lázaro Cárdenas , as well as reaching Manzanillo, and also venturing into intermodal transport.
“This year, the goal is the diversification process to integrate ourselves into the intermodal industry. We are going to manage 100 units, and we will do so in both containerized cargo and the steel industry,” said Iago Cano, Commercial & Business Strategy Manager for the company.
In an interview following the monthly meeting of the Mexican Intermodal Transport Association (AMTI) , he specified that in the coming days they will receive 2 of 20 full-size container units, in addition to offering competitive rates.
However, he said they see challenges in intermodal transport, including the efficiency of routes and carrying out services with full containers.
“The goal here is to avoid returning empty, and we have to find a way to do it. We are experts in dedicated intermodal unit service, and we believe that will lead us to that, precisely because of the return of empty containers, and we aim to be very competitive in our rates under this dedicated service model,” he explained.
He mentioned that they would be looking to develop various intermodal routes, although being in the port of Lázaro Cárdenas would be the first to begin with coverage in the center, Bajío, north, “the objective is to look for those that allow us to have the equipment going back and forth, we can develop the destination.”
Therefore, he anticipated that they will begin the intermodal service in 2026 , and will also seek closer ties with the railways.
Manzanillo and Veracruz, ports in the sights of Directo Express
Cano recalled that three years ago, they ventured into Lázaro Cárdenas through the transportation of finished vehicles with their car carrier division, which has experienced constant growth with its two yards located near this port.
“We handle the entire operation, not only of finished vehicles but also of steel coils, and we currently have a distribution yard. We are aiming to have the construction of another yard, fully equipped for its operation, completed by the end of this year. We don’t currently have storage yards for containerized cargo, but we haven’t ruled it out,” he stated.
He added that Grupo Directo Express is also interested in reaching the ports of Veracruz and Manzanillo , with the latter being the next destination before the end of 2026, offering the same services they currently provide in Lázaro Cárdenas.
He stated that although challenges exist, 2026 is a year of consolidation for the company, and they will continue renewing their fleet, with an increase of approximately 20% per year in Mexico. Grupo Directo Express currently has 1,200 tractors and 1,200 trailers.
Currently, the firm makes approximately 240 daily shipments from Nuevo Laredo, and distribution to different points in the country, as well as yards in Salinas Victoria, San Luis Potosí, Silao, Aguascalientes, Toluca, among others.
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