In transport and logistics, such a vast world!, few companies can boast a solid history full of achievements like Transportes Pitic .
Founded 52 years ago, the company has navigated through challenging times, resource shortages, economic crises and constant changes in the market.
On its anniversary, Gilberto Palomares, CEO, opened a window for T21 into the history that transformed the company into a giant in the sector .
In his first words, Palomares describes the beginnings of Transportes Pitic as a solo journey, in a completely different Mexico.
“Transport was regulated, you were only given permission for one route, two at most, and you could not travel on any other route,” he said.
In Mexico, the company faced challenges from its founding , not only due to restrictions in the sector, but also due to infrastructure conditions that made daily work difficult.
He explained that at that time the roads were precarious and the distances much longer than they seem today, although he acknowledged that the infrastructure is still deficient today.
“The operator would come out and give him his blessing, and you wouldn’t see him again until a month later,” he said, explaining part of the sacrifice and perseverance that defined the company’s first workers.
Although economic crises in Mexico in past decades seemed to put the company’s stability at risk, Palomares highlighted Transportes Pitic’s ability to adapt throughout the journey.
“That experience, that knowledge, has been passed down from generation to generation. Fortunately, today we are a company with employees who have been with us for many years,” said Palomares.
Growth and adaptation: a model for sustainability in transport
Palomares said that over the years, the company has reinvented itself and adapted to the needs of the market. From the beginning, when they focused on service between the northwest of Sonora and the center of the country, until today, when they have a presence throughout the Mexican Republic .
Currently, the company has 32 branches throughout the country and employs more than 1,250 people , who are part of what Palomares proudly calls “the Pitic family.”
Diversification, he says, is the key to his success. “ Our services are aimed at the consolidated cargo segment, famous LTL services, but we also have full truckload services where we have dry and refrigerated cargo. We have moved into a B2B business, with a strong focus on large shipments, but we have accelerated our presence in the smaller shipment segment,” explained Palomares.
The company also expanded its reach, reaching the southeast of the country, including Cancun, and strengthening its presence in the north, with routes that include Monterrey and Chihuahua.
“We are investing in technological solutions to optimize the customer experience, improve security and offer a more agile service,” said Palomares.
Current and future challenges
Despite its achievements, the company is not exempt from challenges. Like many others in the sector, Transportes Pitic faces a shortage of qualified operators , a situation that has become a constant challenge.
Palomares admitted that “the market is dynamic” and that needs are constantly changing, so the company must continually adapt to attract and retain talent.
Road safety is another critical challenge. “The issue of safety seems to be never-ending,” Palomares said, highlighting the country’s dangerous areas and the constant need to protect operators and cargo.
At the end of this interview, Palomares also spoke about the legacy he wants to leave with Transportes Pitic. For him, beyond the economic growth or expansion of the company, the most important thing is the impact that it can have on its people and on society.
“The opportunities are real and they exist, and my own story is proof of that. I started as just another employee and today I am at the head of this great company,” said Palomares.
The legacy that Palomares wishes to leave is one based on respect, integrity and responsibility.
“We want to be a company that stands up for itself, that does things well and that fulfils its commitments. Not only to our clients, but also to our community and our collaborators. We always say that we are a family, and that is what we try to reflect in our way of working,” he explained.
This commitment to social responsibility has been reflected in the 13 consecutive years in which Transportes Pitic has received the Socially Responsible Company distinction, in addition to its inclusion in the group of the best Mexican companies.
