The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) , and the midterm elections in the United States next November could pose risks to supply chains, primarily for the food, pharmaceutical, automotive, and electronics industries.

Jorge Luis Chávez Zárate, founding partner of the International Federation of Authorised Economic Operators (IFAEO) , explained that prevention is a crucial point to face the challenges that may arise during such events.

“The risks associated with the World Cup include impacts on critical infrastructure, cyberattacks, disruptions on highways, and issues at border crossings like Laredo, Matamoros, Tijuana, and Ciudad Juárez. We need to focus on ports and airports. What will happen on highways like the Mexico-Laredo highway, and what about the increase in visitors? There will be five million, and we need to take that into account so that our supply chains don’t get disrupted,” he explained.

In an interview, he specified that work must be done on how to improve the existing infrastructure and anticipate certain events such as a road blockade to avoid impacts, a strike, or food contamination.

Similarly, he considered that communication between companies and government “is crucial” and said, “We created the “Supply Chain Intelligence and Security Committee (CISCS)” in San Luis Potosí as a pilot program where we are linking various trade associations through their organizations, such as the Mexican Association of Freight Forwarders (Amacarga ), the automotive industry clusters of SLP, the UUZI industrial zone users’ union, and we are inviting customs, military, Navy, and National Guard authorities so that, through risk analysis, we can anticipate situations.”

“There are already committees and links with the authorities, and these need to be strengthened in the face of events like the 2026 World Cup or elections. How are we going to strengthen them? With a strategy from a specific committee to mitigate supply chain risks. We are connecting with different chambers of commerce and associations so that, through these partnerships, we can share data and work together using the same language, which in this case is the Authorized Economic Operator and CTPAT,” he stated.

In that regard, he assured that IFAEO, together with the automotive industry cluster of San Luis Potosí, wants to carry out prevention initiatives and an emergency response channel for critical events with various organizations and agencies, including customs, economy, the Tax Administration Service (SAT) and the Ministry of Defense (Sedena) , National Guard and Navy (Semar).

“This is an initiative we are promoting because of the World Cup and all the dynamics that will come in the next 18 months, which is a cocktail for supply chains, but it is an initiative that will be open and permanent, where the Intelligence Committee will do the tests at the World Cup with some organizations like Amacarga, there will be five of us promoting it with the authorities,” said Chávez Zárate.

He explained that the Intelligence Committee should focus on training companies and authorities of the Authorized Economic Operator and CTPAT to understand their operations in ports and airports, as well as collaboration in preventing risk situations and establishing a channel for better communication to react to problems.

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

El cargo The 2026 World Cup and the USMCA review would put pressure on supply chains. apareció primero en T21.

The first edition of the Freight Forwarder Awards 2026 brought together key players in Mexican logistics on one stage. On May 29th, Grupo T21 and the Mexican Association of Freight Forwarders (Amacarga) did more than just present awards: they gave a face, a voice, and a sense of purpose to an industry that typically operates with containers and transit times.

In an atmosphere marked by anticipation, freight agents and authorities exchanged greetings, as they prepared for an evening dedicated to recognizing those who make it possible for goods to cross borders .

During his speech, José Ignacio Aguado, Director General of Innovation, Services and Domestic Trade at the Ministry of Economy (SE) , acknowledged the effort that sustains international trade.

“T21 and Amacarga, the great allies of the Ministry of Economy, and who also have great leadership at their head,” he stated, before an audience that knows firsthand the challenges and demands of the sector.

Aguado highlighted the increasingly close relationship between authorities and logistics companies , emphasizing the role of T21 and Amacarga as actors that not only represent the sector, but also drive it forward.

“You not only inspire each other, but you have also inspired the Ministry of Economy,” he emphasized.

He recalled that Ruta Logística , a public policy promoted by Marcelo Ebrard, head of the SE, is a program with a shared vision between government and industry.

At the event, freight forwarders who excelled in the following categories were recognized:

Sea Bridge Technological Innovation .

KLN Mexico Sustainability .

WePort Corporate Social Responsibility .

KLN Mexico Compliance and Security .

Customer Service
Tie
XPD Global and Racing Cargo .

In the Special Awards Category, the winners were:

Growth in Shipments
Category Large Companies
R.H. Shipping .

Growth in Shipments
Category Medium-Sized Companies
Universal Cargo .

Growth in Shipments –
Emerging Companies Category
– TEMPO Transport .

Commercial Expansion
Mexproud Shipping .

Maritime Leader
HAF Logistics .

Air Leader
RH Shipping.

Land Leader
Mexproud Shipping.

Universal Financial Growth
Cargo.

Professionalization and Modernization
Scan Global Logistics .

KLN Mexico, a leader in technology .

XPD Global Certification

BSM Forwarding Commercial Diversification .

Growth in Operational Capabilities
RH Shipping.

The first edition of these awards sets a precedent in the formal recognition of the role of freight forwarders in international trade , highlighting their contribution to operational efficiency and the economic development of Mexico.

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

El cargo These are the winners of special categories at the first edition of the Freight Forwarder Awards apareció primero en T21.

There are nights that don’t just hand out awards: they build stories. Amidst a mix of celebration, recognition, and a kind of collective declaration— “the freight forwarder has stopped operating in the shadows and has stepped into the spotlight” —the first edition of the Top Freight Forwarders®  and Freight Forwarder Awards took place . This initiative, driven by Grupo T21 and the Mexican Association of Freight Forwarders (Amacarga), aims to recognize and highlight the strategic role of freight forwarders in Mexico.

The day began with a cocktail reception that quickly transformed into a networking and networking space for company representatives, partners, and industry leaders. Then came the main event: the awards ceremony, which, for the first time, put the spotlight on an industry that has historically operated behind the scenes in international trade.

During the event, Osiel Cruz, CEO of Grupo T21, explained that the award was created in response to a specific market need: to more clearly distinguish who’s who within the logistics ecosystem.

“Who is behind it? What solidity can I find?” the executive asked, noting that in an environment saturated with information, the intention of the index is to offer more solid references for decision-makers.

Osiel Cruz explained that the initiative took several years to develop and that the goal was not only to create a list, but to generate an exercise that would bring transparency and strengthen decision-making within international trade .

“We want to share information that allows decision-makers to make decisions based on reliable information,” he stated during his message.

The event also provided an opportunity to reflect on the role that freight forwarders have played in the logistics chain for years: indispensable, but often invisible.

Eva María Muñoz, president of Amacarga, summarized it by pointing out that this industry began to be more recognized when the market understood that moving goods was not enough.

“We realized that we weren’t just moving goods or money; we needed to deliver them to the right place at the right time,” he said.

He added that the visibility gained by the sector in recent years should also become an opportunity to promote greater professionalization and capacity building.

“We need to have awards, we need to be recognized, we need the world to see how good we are,” he said during his speech.

With more than 400 companies linked to the organization and a growing demand for higher standards, training and digitalization , the message of the night went beyond the awards given; the freight forwarder seeks to consolidate itself as a strategic player in international trade and stop being just the silent operator behind each shipment.

The first edition of the Freight Forwarder Awards concluded with camaraderie and conversations that all pointed in the same direction: building community, creating role models, and placing at the center an industry that, for years, made it possible for commerce to advance from a less visible place.

Here are the Top Freight Forwarders®:

1st EDITION TOP FREIGHT FORWARDERS® 2026
Pos. #	Company
1	Mexproud Shipping
2	XPD Global
3	Mablo Forwarding
4	RH Shipping
5	Universal Cargo
6	Scan Global Logistics
7	TIBA
8	TM Logistics
9	Valiton Corp & Logistics
10	Racing Cargo
11	KLN Mexico
12	Janjo Shipping
13	TEMPO Transport
14	Trade the World
15	Gallardo Position
16	BSM Forwarding
17	DICUPA
18	HAF Logistics
19	HORSE
20	Logisti-K
21	WePort

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn: @Jennifer Galindo  /  @GrupoT21

El cargo From invisible operators to protagonists: the Top Freight Forwarders is born apareció primero en T21.

Mexican logistics is at a crucial juncture. As supply chains evolve toward increasingly digital, automated, and regulatoryly demanding models, the sector faces a challenge that threatens to become one of its major bottlenecks: a shortage of specialized talent .

That was one of the central themes of the panel “Efficiency and compliance: The key role of training in the freight forwarder”, held during the 8th Congress of the Mexican Association of Freight Forwarders (Amacarga) , where representatives of the government, business associations and specialists agreed that the professionalization of human capital will be decisive to sustain the logistical and commercial growth of Mexico.

During her presentation, Claudia Alexandra Patrón, Director of Logistics and Supply Chain at the Ministry of Economy (SE) , affirmed that there is a growing interest among younger generations in pursuing professional careers in logistics and foreign trade. As an example, she highlighted that 90% of the 45,000 users of the Ruta Logística platform are under 44 years old.

“The need for training exists, and new generations are looking for places to do it,” he said.

The official explained that the success of these platforms has also been reflected in the demand for recorded content, as some training modules have exceeded 12,000 views on YouTube.

However, he warned that the growth of the logistics sector is putting significant pressure on the availability of skilled talent . According to data shared during the panel, Mexico currently faces a shortage of nearly 30% of trained personnel to meet the sector’s operational needs.

“We can have the best ports, the best warehouses, and the best infrastructure, but someone has to operate all of that. Artificial intelligence cannot make decisions on its own,” he argued.

The logistics director emphasized that this challenge will be even more relevant considering that the logistics sector maintains growth expectations of close to 7% annually.

One of the concepts that took center stage during the panel was micro-credentialization , a training model focused on certifying specific skills through short, flexible courses supported by technologies such as blockchain .

Victor Cruz, vice president of Amacarga, pointed out that this type of tool responds to a global context where constant updating is no longer optional.

“The World Economic Forum determines that 50% of workers will require an update in the next five years to remain relevant,” he commented.

He added that micro-credentials allow for traceability of acquired knowledge and make it easier for people to demonstrate their skills on digital platforms and professional networks.

Francisco Javier Lagunes, president of the National Association of Importers and Exporters of the Mexican Republic (ANIERM) , explained that micro-credentialing does not replace traditional training models, but rather complements the educational and labor ecosystem.

“Micro-credentialing seeks to address the need to train people in the short term and as quickly as possible,” he emphasized.

He explained that the goal is to generate certifications focused on specific skills within broader job functions, allowing workers to be trained in a specific and practical way.

However, both Lagunes and Claudia Patrón agreed that Mexico must take advantage of all available tools to professionalize the sector: diplomas, job skills, certifications, standards and academic training .

“We shouldn’t leave everything aside. We have to use the full range of tools,” Patrón stated.

Another topic that emerged during the conversation was the lack of accurate information on logistics human capital in Mexico.

Claudia Patrón acknowledged that the country still lacks reliable statistics on how many specialized professionals actually exist in logistics and foreign trade, as well as on the specific training needs within the industry.

“We need a lot more statistics in Mexico. There’s a whole universe of real data traceability that’s been lost,” he commented.

He added that this situation also reflects a cultural problem related to the monitoring of studies, censuses and the collection of sectoral information.

Nevertheless, he insisted that the demand for training is already evident and that institutions have a responsibility to respond with useful and accessible tools .

In that regard, he shared a piece of data that he considered especially worrying: only two out of every 10 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) have at least one person specialized in logistics.

“Everyone handles logistics, but not everyone has specialized personnel. And that ends up complicating operations,” he explained.

According to him, a large part of the errors, delays or fraud in international operations stem from a lack of knowledge about processes, documentation and regulatory compliance.

Training and labor compliance under the USMCA

The panel also addressed the growing relationship between training, labor compliance, and international trade.

Raúl Martínez Flores, director of Regulations, Support for Social Dialogue and the New Labor Culture of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) , recalled that, after the entry into force of the Treaty between Mexico, the United States and Canada (USMCA) , Mexico assumed labor commitments linked to rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining, which may lead to trade disputes through the Rapid Response Labor Mechanism.

Currently, he explained, there are 47 cases related to this mechanism, most of them driven from the United States.

“The United States could even tell a company: since you don’t respect those rights, your goods will no longer be allowed in,” he noted.

The official emphasized that many companies may commit violations due to a lack of knowledge, which is why labor training becomes strategic to avoid commercial disputes.

In addition, he highlighted that the STPS maintains free training programs such as PROCADIST and internal instructor training schemes for companies.

Martínez Flores also invited business organizations to become external training agents and develop specialized programs for their industries.

Digitization, collaboration and dignification of the sector

The participants agreed that the future of Mexican logistics will depend on three main factors: digitalization, collaboration, and dignifying the sector.

Claudia Patrón argued that for many years each actor in the chain worked in isolation: customs agents, freight forwarders, importers, exporters, and authorities.

Now, he said, it will be essential to build a joint vision between the private sector, government and academia to develop training solutions aligned with the real needs of the country.

“We need to work together. It’s the only way to generate solutions and provide adequate training,” he stated.

He also highlighted the importance of recognizing the strategic value of logistics within the Mexican economy.

“Logistics doesn’t just move goods, it moves economies and connects nations,” he emphasized.

For his part, Javier Lagunes asserted that Mexico has a historic opportunity to consolidate itself as a logistics hub in North America and as a strategic link with Asia, Europe, and Africa.

However, he cautioned that achieving that goal will depend on the country’s ability to train specialized talent more quickly and efficiently.

“We need competent people to do things better and have greater productivity,” he stressed.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Jennifer Galindo  /  @GrupoT21

El cargo Training, technology and talent: challenges that will define the future of logistics in Mexico apareció primero en T21.

The digital revolution, artificial intelligence (AI), geopolitical conflicts, and nearshoring (relocation of production lines) are redefining international trade and forcing freight forwarders to assume a much more strategic role within global supply chains, warned Thomas Sim, president of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) , at the 8th Congress of the Mexican Association of Freight Forwarders (Amacarga) .

At the conference “The Future of International Trade, the Digital Revolution & Strategic Role of Freight Forwarders”, the executive asserted that the traditional freight forwarder model is outdated and that the sector must transform itself to respond to an increasingly complex, technological and dynamic logistics environment .

“We are no longer just intermediaries. Today we are supply chain managers,” he emphasized.

He explained that freight forwarders currently participate in processes related to multimodal transport, warehousing, insurance, customs compliance, financing, document management and technology, in addition to advising clients on logistics and commercial strategies.

One of the central points of his presentation was the need to strengthen multimodal transport as a response to global disruptions affecting international trade.

The FIATA president mentioned that situations such as tensions in the Middle East, changes in maritime routes and the reconfiguration of trade between China and the United States are forcing companies to rethink logistics corridors and supply strategies.

“Today, multimodality is a fundamental part of value-added services,” he said.

In this context, he highlighted that Mexico faces an important opportunity stemming from nearshoring and changes in global manufacturing and trade flows.

Thomas Sim emphasized that freight forwarders must develop capabilities in areas such as rules of origin, trade agreements, and trade compliance to help their clients optimize operations and reduce tariff costs.

“If a freight forwarder understands trade agreements and rules of origin, they can help modify routes or processes to obtain tariff benefits,” he commented.

He also emphasized the importance of training and professionalization in the sector , noting that many operators continue to work under outdated schemes that no longer meet the current needs of global logistics.

Another highlight was the digital evolution driven by FIATA, particularly through the adoption of electronic documents and technological platforms.

The president of the organization explained that FIATA already has a digital ecosystem that allows the issuance of electronic bills of lading backed by blockchain technology and digital identification systems.

According to Thomas Sim, this model seeks to create a reliable network for freight forwarders, banks, shipping companies and other actors in the logistics chain, reducing fraud risks and improving document efficiency.

He also highlighted that technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and digital platforms will continue to transform logistics operations and redefine the role of operators.

The executive invited attendees to the FIATA World Congress, to be held in Milan, Italy, in October 2026, as part of the international organization’s centenary celebrations. FIATA will officially turn 100 on May 31st.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Jennifer Galindo  /  @GrupoT21

El cargo Freight forwarders must evolve from intermediaries to supply chain strategists: FIATA apareció primero en T21.

Mexico’s National Customs Agency (ANAM) stated that actions are already being implemented to expedite the inspection of goods , which will reduce time and increase revenue collection and security.

“We expect a significant reduction in processing time. We also anticipate an increase in revenue of approximately 7%, and all of this will impact the quality of service we offer at customs. Digitalization and enhanced inspections are part of our master plan, and this directly benefits both security and efficiency at customs,” emphasized Héctor Alonso Romero Gutiérrez, head of ANAM.

In an interview following the inauguration of the 8th Congress of the Mexican Association of Freight Forwarders (Amacarga) , he said, without giving further details, that various actions have been carried out in the 20 most important customs offices in the country, where, according to the official, several advances have been made.

Regarding illegal merchandise, he noted that 100% of shipments are inspected using intrusive inspection equipment, but also a portion using data intelligence .

“Our goal is to reduce smuggling as much as possible. We need to target different sectors, but we are working with all the industry associations, where we have held talks to share data and gather intelligence,” he explained.

He explained that these actions are being carried out in sensitive sectors such as textiles, hydrocarbons, and others.

However, he did not specify what work they have carried out in the energy sector. “We have taken several actions that I cannot comment on, but the fight is going very well,” he said.

Regarding illegal merchandise surrounding the 2026 World Cup, Romero Gutiérrez reported that, in collaboration with the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA)  and the brands sponsoring the event, a wide variety of counterfeit items have been detected.

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

El cargo ANAM streamlines merchandise inspection and seeks to increase revenue apareció primero en T21.

In a complex global environment, marked by disruption, cost pressures and increasing regulatory sophistication, the freight forwarder has ceased to be an operational actor and has become a true articulator of the supply chain.

Their role, although often invisible to the end customer, is crucial for foreign trade to function smoothly.

This was explained by Eva María Muñoz, president of the Mexican Association of Freight Forwarders (Amacarga) , who defined the freight forwarder as the businessman in charge of managing the integral movement of merchandise , from its origin to its final destination.

This task involves much more than coordinating a transfer: it involves designing a complete logistics strategy that considers routes, times, costs, regulations and risks.

In practice, the freight forwarder is the one who translates the complexity of international trade into concrete operational solutions. From choosing the mode of transport—air, sea, or land—to defining the appropriate packaging, managing permits and certifications, and coordinating customs clearance, their involvement is integral to the entire operation.

To achieve this, it brings together various actors such as carriers, shipping lines, airlines, customs agents and authorities

“Their goal is to ensure that the customer receives the merchandise from point A to point B without any problems,” Muñoz summarized to T21.

This seemingly simple premise encapsulates one of the greatest challenges of modern logistics: ensuring operational continuity in an environment where any disruption, from a port delay to a regulatory change, can generate significant costs.

Therefore, the value of a freight forwarder lies not only in execution, but also in the ability to anticipate and make decisions . Evaluating alternatives, optimizing routes, negotiating rates, and anticipating risks are tasks that directly impact the competitiveness of companies.

In this sense, their role has evolved into that of a strategic advisor, capable of supporting clients in their logistical and commercial decision-making. Furthermore, their involvement allows companies to focus on their core business.

“The client can focus exclusively on producing, importing or exporting, while the freight forwarder takes care of the entire operation,” Muñoz pointed out.

This delegation not only simplifies processes, but also reduces exposure to errors, non-compliance, or cost overruns

In markets like Mexico, where the dynamism of foreign trade is combined with highly complex regulations, this role becomes even more crucial. The proper management of documents, regulations, and timelines can make the difference between a successful operation and a vulnerable supply chain.

However, in a sector with multiple players and a growing supply of services, identifying the most reliable and efficient freight forwarders can be a challenge.

In this context, Grupo T21 has launched the first freight forwarder index in Mexico , the Top Freight Forwarders Index , in conjunction with Amacarga , an initiative that seeks to bring transparency to an environment where information overload creates noise and makes it difficult to distinguish who’s who within the industry.

This index represents an effort to organize the market, provide greater clarity for users, and recognize companies that are raising industry standards. At the same time, it paves the way for greater professionalization and competitiveness among logistics players.

As part of this initiative, the Freight Forwarder Awards will be held on May 29th , an event that seeks to recognize the country’s most outstanding freight forwarders. Beyond the awards ceremony, the event highlights the importance of these players in the supply chain and reinforces a key message: behind every successful logistics operation lies strategic, coordinated, and often invisible work.

At a time when resilience and efficiency are paramount, freight forwarders are becoming indispensable partners for companies involved in international trade. Their ability to simplify complexity, optimize resources, and ensure the smooth flow of goods positions them as one of the less visible, yet most critical, pillars of the global economy.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn: @Jennifer Galindo / @GrupoT21

El cargo Freight Forwarder Awards recognizes the link that articulates the complexity in the logistics sector apareció primero en T21.

In 2025, the Ministry of Economy, through the Planning and Evaluation Unit, launched Ruta Logística, a professionalization scheme for the logistics sector, which promotes talent development and encourages collaboration between industry, academia, and government.

In its inaugural year, Ruta Logística attracted more than 10,000 logistics and supply chain professionals , and for this 2026 edition, this initiative has been strengthened with more than 33,000 registrations , which demonstrate the sector’s interest in continuing to promote professionalization, said Carlos Candelaria, head of the Prospective, Planning and Evaluation Unit.

Ruta Logística is an initiative that is immersed in the Management Committee for Competencies for Logistics and Supply Chain , where it is contemplated not only the realization of the Ruta Logística webinars that begin on May 6 and end on June 10.

Ignacio Aguado, Director General of Innovation, Services, and Foreign Trade, reiterated that Ruta Logística is a free, online training program with academic credit. “This time, the focus of the six modules is foreign trade, because that’s what they requested.”

Aguado highlighted that the logistics industry maintains a growth of between 7% and 8%, so this dynamic must be addressed, which has challenges such as infrastructure development, but now the development of capabilities is being addressed.

Ruta Logística is constantly evolving, and therefore, it will address the concerns and needs related to topics such as e-commerce , commented Alexandra Patrón, Director of Logistics and Supply Chain at the Ministry of Economy.

In addition to the Logistics Route initiative, the “First National Logistics Route Forum” is planned , which aims to bring together logistics and supply chain stakeholders to strengthen the sector. This event is scheduled for the second half of the year, after the FIFA World Cup, some matches of which will be played in Mexico.

In addition to the Logistics Route and the aforementioned event, the work of the Skills Committee includes the Certification of Labor Competencies , which has resulted in tripling the certification offer for the logistics and supply chain sector; in 2025, six certifications were achieved; in addition, two more are in legal process within Conocer .

The fourth point being addressed is Microcredentials. By 2026, it is planned that these will be awarded in areas such as: Inventory Management, Route Optimization, Supply Chain Planning, Tariff Classification, Operation of Foreign Trade Promotion Programs, Logistics Risk Management, Reverse Logistics, and AI in the Supply Chain, among others. This initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the National Center for Higher Education Evaluation (Ceneval).

The presentation event for this Logistics Route program was attended by more than 20 organizations from the logistics sector , although the initiative has more than 50 partners.

Eva Muñoz Pineda, president of the Mexican Association of Freight Forwarders (Amacarga), highlighted that Ruta Logística is a favorable space for strengthening logistical capabilities.

Leonardo Gómez, president of the National Association of Private Transportation (ANTP), emphasized the space for sharing best practices, promoting shared knowledge, and achieving greater professionalization, in the context of the logistical challenge that the country has, where in Mexico logistics spending represents 12% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) , while in countries of the region such as the United States the level is at eight percent.

In matters of foreign trade, the challenge is to redefine responsibilities to create a harmonious foreign trade system, “we don’t know how long it will last as an engine of the economy and we must take advantage of it,” said Javier de Jesús Lagunes, president of the National Association of Importers and Exporters of the Mexican Republic (ANIERM).

Logistics Route training is fundamental in updating the data of new generations, reinforcing knowledge and broadening horizons. “We must open a wide spectrum to make an achievable effort towards the sustainability of SMEs,” commented Karina Lerma, a member of the board of directors of Amacarga.

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El cargo Logistics Route 2026, enhances the scope of professionalization apareció primero en T21.

In an environment of uncertainty, insecurity and cost overruns, industry leaders agreed that logistics in Mexico is facing one of its most complex, but also decisive, moments for its transformation.

During the dialogue panel “Mexican Logistics in 2026: Between Resilience and Competitiveness” , at the Forum of the National Association of Vehicle Tracking and Protection Companies (ANERPV) , Osiel Cruz Pacheco,  CEO of Grupo T21 , acknowledged the role of logistics entrepreneurs, whom he described as “heroes” who keep commerce operating in an adverse environment.

However, he was also emphatic that Mexico still has not managed to reduce its logistics costs to levels that are competitive with more advanced economies.

Insufficient infrastructure, outdated toll systems, downtime on roads and in ports, as well as regulatory burdens, are part of a “salad of factors” that increase the cost of logistics operations and directly affect the end consumer.

From the perspective of importers and exporters, Javier Lagunes , president of the National Association of Importers and Exporters of the Mexican Republic (ANIERM) , stated that the country is going through an evolutionary process forced by global competition.

Among the main challenges, he highlighted the need to clearly define the roles within the logistics chain, the lack of concrete actions to solve structural problems, and the urgency of generating effective public policies.

Even so, he stressed that Mexico has a privileged position to become a key logistics hub , provided it manages to correct its weaknesses.

For his part, Fernando Con y Ledesma , president of the Mexican Association of Shipping Agents (Amanac) , emphasized that one of the main obstacles is the lack of alignment among the actors in the logistics chain.

“The challenge is to put aside individual interests in order to build collective efficiency,” he said.

Furthermore, he proposed promoting a national initiative under the concept of “Safe Mexico” , with the aim of improving international perception and generating more reliable conditions for trade.

Rising costs and operational uncertainty

From the Mexican Association of Freight Forwarders (Amacarga) , its president, Eva Muñoz, offered one of the most critical diagnoses: insecurity has completely transformed the logistics operation .

Today, he explained, companies face increased theft and violence, higher insurance premiums, a need for security and constant monitoring, and an inability to maintain stable rates.

This has eliminated practices such as just-in-time , forcing a redesign of routes, schedules, and operational strategies, which directly impacts costs and efficiency.

In this context, Luis Villatoro , president of ANERPV, highlighted the role of technology as a central element in mitigating risks.

He noted that the use of artificial intelligence , telemetry, and tracking systems has improved vehicle recovery and strengthened traceability. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration with authorities, which has led to the development of analytical frameworks, incident reports, and critical points.

Intermodal: progress, but with structural challenges

Luis Hernández, president of the Mexican Association of Intermodal Transport (AMTI) , presented a more optimistic outlook for intermodal transport, with progress in the use of rail and greater integration with ports and borders.

However, he warned that structural problems persist , such as complex customs processes, a lack of standardization between ports and regions, and increased regulatory costs.

Added to this is the need to redefine Mexico’s role in an environment of regionalized trade, where economic blocs are becoming more relevant.

Participants agreed that the transformation of the sector involves the use of data for decision-making; training and certification of talent ; adoption of new technologies; and greater collaboration between associations and authorities.

In particular, the importance of professionalizing all levels of the logistics chain and generating reliable information to design more effective strategies was highlighted.

In conclusion, the consensus was clear that without security and legal certainty, logistics competitiveness is limited; since insecurity hinders investment, damages the country’s international image, increases operating costs, and limits the sector’s growth.

Despite this, the final tone was optimistic. The industry acknowledged the challenges, but also its capacity for adaptation.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn: @Jennifer Galindo / @GrupoT21

El cargo Mexican logistics in 2026: mandatory resilience and competitiveness in construction apareció primero en T21.

Creating the first index of freight forwarders in Mexico is a new initiative by Grupo T21 that seeks to contribute to transparency in a context where the excess of information generates noise and confusion among users, about who’s who within the universe of actors that participate in this sector.

With the collaboration of the Mexican Association of Freight Forwarders (Amacarga) , the publication specializing in logistics and foreign trade issues and producer of the Top 100 of Motor Transport and 100+ Influential People of Transport and Logistics , will carry out the exercise called Top Freight Forwarders which will be published in the June edition of T21 magazine.

“We had intended to carry out this initiative for several years, but for various reasons it hadn’t materialized. The important thing is that today we are in a position to achieve it thanks to the agreement reached with Amacarga to focus our efforts exclusively on its members,” said Osiel Cruz, CEO of Grupo T21.

Participation in this exercise will be through an open call to the members of the group; and joining will be a voluntary decision of each of the companies interested in being part of the first ranking of freight agents in the country.

It is important to note that participation will be free of charge for freight forwarders who register, only requiring a commitment to respond promptly to the questionnaires that T21 will send to representatives of participating companies to collect comparable information from the firms that register.

The methodology for evaluating and weighting the Top Freight Forwarders ranking is being designed by the T21 team based on the criteria that this type of indicator has at a global or continental level, in addition to having the advice of specialists and recognized professionals in logistics activities such as: Reto Malfatti , with more than 36 years of experience in supply chain ; Eduardo Asperó , with more than 30 years of experience in intermodal transport, and Héctor Landeros , consultant and specialist in foreign trade and customs issues where he has developed professionally for 29 years.

It is important to note that the information provided by the freight forwarders participating in this exercise will be handled with absolute confidentiality , and used exclusively for the purposes of ranking criteria.

The ranking will be revealed to participants at a private gala party called the Freight Forwarder Awards , which will serve as the closing event for the upcoming Amacarga congress on May 29.

Within this framework, recognition will also be given to freight forwarders with the best actions in terms of sustainability, inclusion policies, technological innovation and quality of service to customers , among other areas that will be evaluated.

The deadline for submitting information to participate in the ranking is April 10th ; and April 24th is the deadline to participate in the competition for the Freight Forwarder Awards.

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El cargo Top Freight Forwarders, leadership in logistics amidst uncertainty apareció primero en T21.