Mexico ‘s geographic location and its weight within the industry are not enough on their own to make the country a global logistics hub . The movement of goods also faces challenges at border crossings, while infrastructure, investment, and conditions for receiving new projects remain part of the equation.

In a scenario where supply chains are once again putting pressure on logistics operations, the ability to support this activity will be crucial to taking advantage of the opportunities the country has .

Iago Cano, commercial manager of Grupo Directo Express , considered that Mexico is already a benchmark for the industry globally, although there are still areas of opportunity that require the participation of both the private and public sectors.

“Without a doubt, Mexico is a benchmark in the industry in general. I don’t think that’s anything new. We seek to collaborate between the private and public sectors. I believe that is extremely important in terms of infrastructure, investment, and the ease of investing in Mexico,” he stated in an interview with T21.

The executive explained that 2026 has been marked by volatility and changes in industry activity levels. According to the company’s observations, after low production during the first half of the year, an acceleration began in the third quarter.

“In the first half of the year, production was very low; in the second half, starting in the third quarter of 2026, there has been a significant acceleration in the industry, and that obviously puts stress on the entire supply chain,” he commented.

Border, one of the critical points

Adding to this scenario are the challenges at the border between Mexico and the United States. Cano identified bridge congestion as one of the critical points for transportation operations.

In the case of Directo Express, Laredo accounts for the largest percentage of its border volume , while the company also maintains a smaller operation in Ciudad Juárez.

To reduce crossing times for their customers, Cano explained that they use the FAST lane, supported by the certifications and security measures implemented within their supply chain.

Security represents another challenge highlighted by the executive, particularly in Mexican territory and the border region. He explained that the company operates under the applicable regulations and certifications in both Mexico and the United States.

Prepare for international demands

According to Cano, Mexico still has areas of opportunity to improve the conditions it offers to investments, although he considered that the country already occupies a relevant position for the industry at an international level.

“We definitely still have a significant area of ​​opportunity to become that industrial paradise. However, I think we’re also doing well; we’re a benchmark, at least in the industry globally,” he said.

From the business perspective, he added, it will also be necessary to keep up with the standards demanded by international clients, including best practices and requirements related to sustainability.

“It’s about being ready, being prepared with the standards that international clients are looking for, who are precisely the ones who come to Mexico to invest,” he stated.

Challenges related to border crossings, infrastructure, and Mexico’s position as a global logistics hub will be among the topics discussed during ETYL MTY , which will take place on October 14 and 15 in Monterrey, Nuevo León .

The meeting will address the congestion at the Mexico-United States border, the reconfiguration of global trade, the redesign of supply chains, and the conditions necessary to strengthen Mexico’s logistics position by 2030. 

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Karina Quintero  /  @GrupoT21

El cargo What does Mexico need to strengthen its logistics position? apareció primero en T21.

International Motors Mexico received the 2026 National Automotive Industry Award , in the Heavy Vehicle Manufacturer category , during the fifth edition of the recognition, held within the framework of the XXIV International Congress of the Automotive Industry in Mexico (CIIAM) .

The recognition comes at a time when the company is reporting growth in its market share, increasing from 14% in 2023 to 22.7% at the close of July 2026 , while in the cargo segment it reached a share of 26 percent .

The award was received by Marcel Prado, Director of Business Support at International Motors Latin America , who highlighted that the company’s strategy has sought to expand its participation beyond vehicle manufacturing.

“This recognition reflects the work we have done to evolve alongside our customers. Today, our role goes beyond manufacturing vehicles: we develop solutions that connect technology, service, and operational capacity to meet their needs,” Prado emphasized.

Among the tools implemented by International is its Control Tower , a platform that connects vehicle information with the service network and which, according to the company, has allowed preventive maintenance to be reduced from up to two days to 3.5 hours .

This tool is complemented by maintenance programs, warranties, monitoring and roadside assistance for fleet operations.

The company also reported an investment of 708 million pesos earmarked for the renewal, expansion, and modernization of its dealer network. These actions are part of International 2030 , a strategy that encompasses technology, customer service, talent development, and sustainability.

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El cargo International receives 2026 National Automotive Industry Award apareció primero en T21.

Fitch Ratings announced that it has affirmed the long-term and short-term national ratings of PACCAR Financial México, SA de CV (PFM) dual-currency securities program at ‘AAA(mex)’ and ‘F1+(mex)’, respectively. At the same time, it affirmed the long-term national rating of ‘AAA(mex)’ on the issue with the ticker symbol PCARFM 24 .

The CB program is revolving for an authorized amount of up to 12 billion pesos or its equivalent in investment units (Udis), without exceeding five billion in short-term issues.

PFM’s dual CB program ratings are derived from Fitch’s assessment of the capacity and propensity to support, if needed, by its ultimate parent company, PACCAR Inc. (PACCAR) . The propensity to support considers the significant role of the financial captive in PACCAR’s operations.

Fitch believes PACCAR’s support capacity is solid and that the support would be manageable, given PFM’s modest size relative to its parent company. As of the second quarter of 2026 (2Q26), PFM’s total assets represented approximately 4% of PACCAR’s total assets. “Therefore, the CB program’s ratings are at the highest level on Fitch’s national scale in Mexico,” the agency stated.

PFM plays a strategic role with PACCAR and its local subsidiaries, as it serves as the financial arm of PACCAR’s manufacturers to facilitate the sale of units in Mexico through various credit products.

“As of Q2 2026, PFM financed approximately 41% of the sales of its subsidiaries’ units in Mexico. Fitch also considers the high level of integration that the entity has with PACCAR, through strategic and operational guidelines at the group level, to be of moderate importance,” the rating agency shared.

Regarding the financial profile, it is good and the agency considers it of moderate importance within its assessment of PACCAR’s propensity to support. “As of Q2 2026, the profit before tax on average assets ratio was a high 8.5% despite the increase in delinquency to 3.9% (2022-2025 period average: 2.3%) .”

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El cargo Fitch places PACCAR’s stock certificates at the highest level apareció primero en T21.

An analysis conducted by the Mexican Transportation Institute (IMT) identified that, while micro and small transport fleets reach a fleet utilization level of 75% , large companies reach up to 95 percent.

Considering the above, but above all, with the awareness of the commitment assumed with more than 13,000 units in circulation in the country, both cargo and passenger, Scania Mexico presented the ecosystem called “Stronger than yesterday” .

The objective is clear: to increase fleet availability, reduce downtime, decrease time spent in repair shops, and expedite roadside assistance. All of this translates into greater productivity per unit and a more competitive operation for carriers.

“Stronger than yesterday is not just a campaign. It is the result of listening to our customers and fulfilling the promises we have made to them. Today we are better prepared to support them and help their businesses operate more efficiently,” Manuel Aranda, Scania’s Retail Director, explained to T21.

According to Aranda, behind every service, diagnosis or solution there are teams that know the needs of the clients and work to respond to them with greater precision.

Part of Scania’s effort has been focused on generating the necessary capabilities to serve customers, so in the last 24 months they have had a 40% growth in staff , and today they have more than a thousand employees dedicated directly to workshop operations .

The existing capacity is combined with the training strategy. “There isn’t a single technician in our branch, not even the newest ones, who hasn’t received at least one round of training to be able to work at Scania,” Aranda emphasized.

In terms of infrastructure, today with Scania’s network of 18 branches in the country , together with the 50 CWS (Customer Workshop Services) , there is coverage of 80% of the relevant operational territory .

The ecosystem is combined with Scania’s technological capabilities, through the My Scania telematics service, “it is a 100% Scania product and through this information we now know where the customer needs us to be more present, but more importantly, what type of maintenance the customer requires, in what place and depending on what application,” highlighted Manuel Aranda.

One of Scania’s contributions to the industry is its maintenance policies, where nearly 80% of the units in circulation have some type of coverage. Thanks to telematics, it’s possible to identify the plan that a Scania vehicle should have according to the mileage it travels, but above all, to be close to the customers to understand their needs and adapt to their operation.

Data-driven after-sales service

From Aranda’s perspective, the evolution of after-sales service doesn’t depend solely on the contact between people and customers. It also requires listening to what the vehicles themselves are saying through the information they generate.

“We are taking after-sales service to another level. It’s no longer just about having staff and infrastructure, but about understanding how our customers operate, what their units need, and what we can do to ensure they receive proper maintenance and remain available,” he explained.

In the current Mexican market, Scania seeks to solidify its position as a partner for fleet productivity. In this regard, “Stronger than yesterday” represents an evolution of its service capabilities , combining talent, infrastructure, training, connectivity, and maintenance to enhance the competitiveness of carriers.

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El cargo Stronger than yesterday, more than a campaign: Manuel Aranda apareció primero en T21.

QUERÉTARO, QRO.– The Mexican truck and bus market is the most competitive in North America, not only because of the number of participating brands, but also because of the wide variety of models and configurations available to carriers. This is coupled with the increasing professionalization of companies in the country, which demand reliable solutions that support their operations to meet their commitments and various performance indicators for their clients.

In this equation, Volkswagen Truck & Bus Mexico (VWTBM), through its Volkswagen Trucks and Buses and MAN Truck and Bus brands —with more than 20 years of presence in the Mexican market—configured from the beginning a proposal that had a long-term vision: first, to maintain and meet the needs of Mexican transporters ; and second, to integrate manufacturing activities to respond in a personalized way to their needs.

VWTBM has maintained a constant evolution, the most recent being the incorporation of models with Euro 6 engines, which, although it is a compliance with current regulations, the brand’s proposal is to offer better developments to its customers with better fuel efficiency, at least 8% compared to previous generations.

The product is part of one of the three pillars on which the company is focusing to continue its steady progress in the Mexican market. The other two elements are clear to Rafael Santos Magalhães, Director of Operations for Volkswagen Truck & Bus Mexico: “The arrival of our financing arm is a key component that contributes to our consolidation in the market , along with the increase in our service points and the growth of our dealer network.”

Listen to the engine

Road transport is a fundamental part of the national economy, contributing about 85% of the movement of national goods and with more than 90% participation in the passenger segment, therefore, the entrepreneurs that are linked to this activity have as a priority with their suppliers the availability of the vehicles, defined as Up time .

“Today, transporters are very focused on the availability of their vehicles, so we must ensure they operate as much as possible and reduce breakdowns. This requires high-quality products, which is where we’ve invested heavily, but also preventing breakdowns, and if they do occur, addressing them as quickly as possible,” Rafael Santos told T21.

With a deep understanding of the Mexican market, Rafael Santos explains that a constant and evolving focus of VWTBM is after-sales service , hence one of the strategic points is to expand territorial coverage through its network of dealerships, which in a period of four years increased from 50 to 80% of the country.

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El cargo Volkswagen Truck & Bus Mexico, growth with a firm vision apareció primero en T21.

The customs office at the port of Lázaro Cárdenas has extended its hours for processing import and export goods, a measure aimed at streamlining operations and increasing capacity to handle more cargo. However, for the trucking industry, this growth also presents a challenge outside the port area: the development of a highway infrastructure that still needs to keep pace with the increased flow of heavy vehicles .

Starting this week, the port is operating from 8:00 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday , following a trial period with extended hours. On Saturdays, the hours designated by the carriers are from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. José Alberto Varela, president of the Federal Freight Carriers Association in Lázaro Cárdenas , explained that the extension responds to a request made by various members of the port community and aims to address the operational backlogs previously experienced.

According to the leader, it currently takes an average of five hours from when a unit registers until it leaves the port , compared to previous periods in which delays of between 12 and 16 hours were recorded .

“The average time from check-in to departure from the port is about five hours,” Varela noted, adding that these statistics were reviewed by various members of the port community.

Extending the hours also allows for increased appointment availability. Varela explained that previously, port terminals operated with an average of 500 appointments per day , but with a wider window, they will have more space to accommodate the entry of vehicles and the movement of goods.

The adjustment comes as port terminals continue infrastructure work and expand their capacity with equipment, cranes, and personnel. On the trucking side, companies are also developing external yards for the storage and handling of containers.

But while capacity within the port is increasing, the challenge shifts to its land connections .

Varela acknowledged that the flow of vehicles, particularly heavy equipment, has already exceeded the needs of the current road infrastructure , so the expansion of the Siglo XXI highway will be necessary to support the growth of operations.

“By the end of 2029, we will have the four-lane Morelia-Lázaro Cárdenas highway ready, which we desperately need. Why? Because the flow of traffic, especially heavy equipment, has exceeded the capacity of that highway,” he stated.

According to the carrier, the section from Morelia to Lázaro Cárdenas up to the Pátzcuaro area is already showing progress towards four lanes; while the section from Pátzcuaro to Cuatro Caminos is estimated to be completed towards the end of 2027 and the expansion from Cuatro Caminos to Lázaro Cárdenas towards the end of 2029.

In addition to road capacity, there is also safety on the routes . The leader explained that transporters and authorities participate in inter-institutional meetings to address theft, accidents, and road conditions, as well as maintaining escort programs for vehicles leaving the port.

Regarding cargo volume, Varela acknowledged that 2026 has been a year of more moderate growth . According to figures he said he obtained through meetings with the port authority, the increase has been between 4% and 6%, compared to rates of between 10% and 12% observed in previous years.

The transport representative attributed this behavior to a complex trade environment, marked, among other factors, by tariffs and changes in tax and customs regulations. Among the goods currently generating the greatest demand for trucking from Lázaro Cárdenas, he identified containerized cargo and vehicles .

The Federal Freight Carriers Association in Lázaro Cárdenas currently includes more than 125 transport lines , with a vehicle fleet exceeding 4,500 units , according to Varela.

The extended hours thus open a new window to increase the movement of goods in Lázaro Cárdenas, but also raise the following challenge: that road capacity, security and access grow at the pace of a port operation that seeks to move more cargo .

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Karina Quintero  /  @GrupoT21

El cargo Customs at the port of Lázaro Cárdenas extends operating hours to expedite the transit of goods apareció primero en T21.

Pedro Lozano, general manager of Mega Express , pointed out that there are points in the highway infrastructure that require attention, particularly given the expectation that cargo volumes will regain strength.

“On the Monterrey-Nuevo Laredo route alone, there are certain bottlenecks that need to be addressed. The issue of toll booths is a complex one; we’re seeing increasing traffic volumes, and our toll booths are becoming too small,” he emphasized in an interview with T21.

For Lozano, Nuevo Laredo is the most important logistics hub in Latin America , a position that also represents a commitment for the region’s carriers in terms of service, but which requires the support of other actors and infrastructure capable of responding to the operation.

“These are things we really need, so that the infrastructure doesn’t fall short because I think cargo volumes are going to return and they’re going to return stronger,” he said.

The dynamics at the border are changing

In addition to infrastructure improvements, changes are also occurring in how logistics activity is organized around the border. Lozano anticipates greater development of warehouses and distribution centers on the Mexican side , within a context of strengthened regulations for cross-border operations.

The businessman linked this move to the need to comply with the provisions of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and to carry out part of the cargo operations to the United States from Mexico.

Another challenge lies in the daily operations of customs. The specialist explained that the transition and digitization of its systems have caused intermittent disruptions, so companies must seek alternatives to reduce the impact on their crossing times.

In the case of Mega Express, the company has resorted to scheduling and the use of technology to try to avoid periods of higher vehicle concentration.

“We are trying to anticipate and find those off-peak hours; we are trying to release our trucks either very early or very late to try to make the customs lines a little less congested,” he explained.

Infrastructure challenges, border capacity, and logistics operations will be among the topics of analysis at ETYL MTY , which will take place on October 14 and 15 in Monterrey, Nuevo León .

The meeting will address the saturation of the Mexico-United States borders, the reconfiguration of global trade, the redesign of supply chains and the use of artificial intelligence, automation and visibility, as well as the conditions that Mexico requires to strengthen its logistics position towards 2030.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Karina Quintero  /  @GrupoT21

El cargo Infrastructure, the challenge to support increased cargo in the Monterrey–Nuevo Laredo corridor apareció primero en T21.

Given the need to reduce costs, control the use of cash, and streamline vehicle management, digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) can reduce fleet operating expenses by up to 30% and prevent capital leaks.

Juan Francisco Monte de Oca, Marketing and Sales Director of Mendel , a platform specializing in corporate expense management, pointed out that these technologies allow for more efficient control of expenditures related to fuel , tolls, travel expenses, lodging, and other operational concepts.

He explained that, in addition to optimizing resource management , these tools help identify money leaks, detect irregular expenses, and improve transparency in the financial management of companies.

The specialist indicated that companies can parameterize all the expenses they make and, based on these patterns, preventive actions can be established, such as blocking a card or reviewing an expense before it becomes a leak of resources.

“Artificial intelligence is starting to help the operations team see efficiencies in the control, management, and preventative savings of company spending,” he commented in an interview with T21.

The executive cited as an example the case of a company in Monterrey with more than three thousand vehicles, whose operation involves around 12 million pesos (mdp) monthly in expenses related to repairs, tires, accessories, food and other concepts.

In an operation of that size, a 30% decrease would represent, according to the estimate, savings of between 30 and 40 million pesos annually.

Monte de Oca reiterated that the use of AI in the sector contributes to the management of travel, operations, expenses, among other factors.

“Preventive control must be in place; we are talking about the fact that the carrier’s expenses in companies represent more than 60% of the operating expenses ,” he explained.

Mendel has around 1,200 clients in Mexico. Of these, approximately 100 are directly involved with fleet management companies, while another 400 belong to industries such as manufacturing, retail , and healthcare, but have vehicles as part of their operations.

In the coming months, they plan to delve deeper into integrations with telemetry solutions to track the carrier’s journey via geolocation, as well as to know in real time if any accident or theft occurred, anticipate fuel consumption, among other factors.

They are also analyzing new markets in Latin America, such as Colombia, Brazil and Peru, although this will depend on the alliances that are formed with local financial institutions.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Evangelina del Toro  /  @GrupoT21

El cargo AI and digitization can reduce fleet management costs apareció primero en T21.

Cross-border transport has faced a scenario of adjustments in recent years that has tested the ability of companies to sustain their operations and, at the same time, maintain the investments necessary to serve their customers.

In this context, Transportes Olympic has chosen to continue with the renewal of its fleet, even during periods of greatest pressure for the business.

“We have always believed that, even in difficult times, you have to renew your fleet,” said Fernando Páez, general manager of Transportes Olympic.

Currently, the company has more than 250 units and approximately 550 trailers , including refrigerated boxes and platforms, according to Páez.

The strategy is part of an operation that began in June 1990 and this year marks its 36th year . During that period, the company has navigated different market conditions, particularly in transportation between Mexico and the United States.

“I believe that resilience, discipline, and willpower are what have given us this permanence here,” he commented.

Páez identified 2022 as one of the most challenging periods for cross-border transportation companies . He explained that after the pandemic, the number of operators in the United States with non-resident licenses increased, which, in his view, created an oversupply of transportation and put upward pressure on rates.

Other factors have been added to this scenario that directly affect the operation.

“There are three things that are completely against us. There are the tariffs, there is the exchange rate, and there is the price of fuel,” Páez said.

Given these conditions, the executive pointed out that maintaining an orderly, responsible and financially sound company has been part of Transportes Olympic’s strategy to remain in the market.

Prepare from the operation

Fleet renewal is just one part of the strategy. Safety and training have also been key priorities at Transportes Olympic.

The company has three on-site instructors, monitoring staff, a safety director, and simulators , in addition to training programs for its operators.

One of them is the English program, implemented since 2010 to prepare operators who carry out operations in the United States.

“Fortunately, this mandatory English regulation for operators caught us very, very well prepared because we had a program in place since 2010. We didn’t really have to start from scratch, but simply strengthen the programs we had, add applications, and continue working hard on our English program,” Páez explained.

According to the executive, when language proficiency reviews began to be applied more strictly, Transportes Olympic recorded zero operators taken out of service due to this measure .

Safety has also been a central focus of the operation. Páez noted that the company has dedicated time, resources, and internal structure to this area, from training to monitoring.

“I think that’s what defines us, I think that’s the image we have, because we’ve invested a lot of time and money in security,” he said.

Prepare yourself for the good times

Beyond responding when market conditions become complicated, Páez specified that Transportes Olympic’s strategy has been to anticipate during periods of better conditions.

“The truth is that we have always believed in preparing ourselves in good times for bad times,” he stated.

Following that logic, the company has maintained the renewal of units even in a complex economic scenario, a decision that Páez believes has contributed to sustaining the operation and preparing the company for market changes.

In this regard, Transportes Olympic has sought to ensure that decisions made during periods of better conditions allow it to respond when the environment changes. Fleet renewal, along with safety and training, are part of this preparation with which the company aims to ensure the continuity of its cross-border operations .

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Karina Quintero  /  @GrupoT21

El cargo Olympic Transport strengthens its cross-border operation with fleet renewal apareció primero en T21.

Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas , will bring together for two days operators, mechanics, business owners and families around freight transport , with driving skill competitions and activities that seek to bring new generations closer to an industry that faces the challenge of attracting and retaining talent.

On October 17th and 18th , the Sports City of Nuevo Laredo will host the seventh edition of MT Frontera , the Trucking Festival , an event that seeks to bring families and new generations closer to the various activities that are part of this industry.

“The event has a very direct purpose, which is to represent the entire freight transport industry. Yes, the operator, but also those who work in the company, the mechanic, the supplier, the director; the entire freight transport ecosystem,” said Mario Saldívar, general director of MT Mexico .

For this edition, 85 operators are registered in two categories , who will face various skill and maneuvering tests. The event has a capacity of approximately 90 participants per day.

The tests are not solely aimed at finding the most skilled operator. During the maneuvers, aspects related to speed, safety, and precision are evaluated , with the intention of reinforcing practices that will later become part of everyday driving on the road.

From the operator to the mechanic… and even the directors

This year’s edition will expand its activities beyond operational competitions. The program includes Mechanics in Action , as well as MT Kids , a Kids Area, a Food Area, and an MT Stop.

There will also be a special competition: 10 company directors are preparing to participate in a dynamic among themselves, with the intention that the operators see those who head the companies also get involved in activities related to their work.

The meeting also comes at a time when the industry continues to face a shortage of drivers . During the presentation, business leaders acknowledged that the lack of drivers continues to affect the sector and that road safety issues also impact those who work in this field.

Given this scenario, the organizers hope that the festival will also serve as a platform to showcase carpooling to young people and families.

As an example, they pointed out that at the Conalep in Allende, enrollment in the career related to motor transport registered a growth of close to 35% , an increase that they related to the interest generated among young people from this type of activity.

They also highlighted a greater participation of women interested in working as operators , both in traffic and road activities.

The festival’s aim is to showcase the much broader chain behind the movement of a single unit: operators, mechanics, suppliers, workers, and managers are all part of the ecosystem that enables the daily movement of goods. And for two days, in Nuevo Laredo, that ecosystem will have its own dedicated track.

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El cargo MT Frontera prepares its seventh edition in Nuevo Laredo apareció primero en T21.