From the Covid pandemic to current geopolitical conflicts, the automotive sector in Mexico faces a series of logistical challenges that have forced companies to seek quick solutions. According to Kaizad Dalal, head of Automotive at Maersk Mexico , the lack of shippers and other specialized transports has driven the use of containers to move new vehicles, which represents an immediate response to the saturation in supply chains.
“With containers we can transport between two and three vehicles per unit, which facilitates shipments in the face of market restrictions,” explained Dalal, interviewed at Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico .
This option, although more expensive than the Roll-on, Roll-off (RoRo) maritime method, allows greater flexibility and frequency in shipments, preventing vehicles from being stranded in plants or warehouses .
Unlike RoRo, which requires vehicles to be driven on and off the ship and operates at less frequent intervals, container shipping offers weekly departures and access to a greater variety of ports globally.
Dalal stressed that the global logistics crisis, intensified by competition in the Asian market and demand for transport services, has a direct impact on operations in Mexico.
“In 2023, many of the available transports were reserved by the Chinese market, leaving Europeans without the capacity to meet local demand,” Dalal explained.
Maersk, which recently adopted a logistics integrator model , is seeking innovative alternatives to serve its customers. Among these is the use of disposable racks for transporting vehicles , eliminating the need to import or return them, which reduces time and costs.
“We implemented this solution a few months ago and it has worked to simplify the operation,” Dalal said.
In addition, the company is using artificial intelligence to monitor risks in real time and optimize operations. These tools allow customers to gain insights into the status of their supply chains and make informed decisions.
“For example, we can identify where risks are in the chain and how to avoid them before they affect operations,” Dalal said.
On the other hand, regarding the impact of Chinese automotive investments in Mexico, Dalal expressed a relatively optimistic outlook.
“The big brands seem to be here to stay; they are investing heavily in the country,” said the head of Automotive at Maersk.
However, he acknowledged that geopolitical uncertainty remains a factor limiting long-term projections.
With these solutions, Maersk adjusts its operations to meet the constraints of today’s market and offer logistics alternatives that meet specific market needs.
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