CANCUN, Q. ROO.- Deficient infrastructure, high logistics costs, regulatory delays and security problems continue to be the main obstacles to the competitiveness of freight transport and logistics in Mexico.
Faced with this reality, while the adversities are identified, within the framework of the National Freight Transport Forum , organized by the National Association of Private Transport (ANTP) , Alex Theissen, president of the Board of Directors of the organization, asserted that within the work carried out in the different panels of the 26th edition of this event, the constant was to talk about progress, improvement, even in how to face the free trade agreements, “in general we all agree that those of us involved in this industry have to learn, as the theme of this forum says, to be more resilient . “
Theissen Long recalled that when he started in the logistics industry, Mexico was not a major player in the production of heavy vehicles, a situation that has evolved and today the country is the main exporter of tractor-trailer trucks, among other milestones .
In addition, transport companies have been growing steadily and today there are entrepreneurs focused on professionalism, services, technology and commitment to the market .
Therefore, Alex Theissen emphasized that the problems must continue to be addressed in a coordinated manner. “Let’s tackle the problems head-on, together, with optimism and, of course, with creativity.”
During the panel “Industry Perspectives and Resilience in Logistics and Freight Transportation ,” Augusto Ramos, president of the National Chamber of Freight Transportation (Canacar) , emphasized the deterioration of the highway network, which not only increases the risk of accidents but also directly affects transportation productivity. “We face constant maneuvers to avoid potholes, reduced speeds, and longer travel times, all of which impact operating costs and the working conditions of drivers ,” he commented.
Customs and technology at a slow pace
Customs facilitation is one of the priority areas identified. Mexico exports hundreds of millions of tons of products each year and depends heavily on the efficiency of its border crossings and foreign trade processes. However, there are still ample opportunities to incorporate technology, simplify procedures, and expedite customs operations.
Reflecting the existing challenges, Mexico’s unfavorable positions in various international competitiveness indicators were mentioned, particularly in infrastructure, international trade, and economic performance .
Augusto Ramos pointed out that modernizing customs and reducing processing times is an essential requirement to fully take advantage of the opportunities arising from trade integration with the United States and Canada.
Factors such as the above cause logistics costs in Mexico to reach up to 20% , while in developed markets they are between 8% and 10% of the value of the goods.
This percentage is compounded by multiple factors: insufficient infrastructure, congestion, complex regulatory processes, insecurity, and downtime during journeys.
Addressing the above becomes even more relevant when Mexico participates in a trade region that accounts for 30% of global trade. “The region represents 1.6 trillion dollars and serves 515 million consumers, and every minute three million dollars are spent in this negotiation between the three countries,” highlighted Alejandro Malagón, president of the Confederation of Industrial Chambers (Concamin) .
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