The reform to the Customs Law, which came into effect in 2026, has become one of the main challenges for logistics in Mexico, since it has not provided advantages for foreign trade, but rather obstacles to its operation, considered the Mexican Association of Intermodal Transport (AMTI) .

“The reform of the Customs Law, far from creating advantages, has created more obstacles to operations, as it places greater responsibilities on customs brokers and more penalties on transporters and customs brokers, which is beginning to cause some friction in foreign trade. The nature of customs is to facilitate foreign trade, and this reform is generating a series of complaints,” explained Luis Hernández, president of AMTI.

During the webinar “Supply Chain Readiness in North America” , Hernández pointed out that this scenario is currently occurring, despite having a greater investment in logistics in the country.

According to the Ministry of Economy (SE) , the transport, postal and storage sector attracted 913 million dollars (USD) of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the first quarter of 2026, a growth of 123.3% compared to the same period in 2025, when it was 409 million USD.

Luis Hernández indicated that there are currently bottlenecks in customs operations, such as duplicate inspections , staff availability, binational coordination, and crossing times.

“In order to resolve the capacity issue and be more in line with the growth we are logistically promoting and what the United States, Canada, and Mexico are seeking to supply that market, the country still has to resolve many problems related to customs to be at the same level,” he commented.

Therefore, he asserted that the challenge is to cross borders, move goods, and expedite the flow of logistics. “We have to resolve the customs issue as a logistics industry and work hand in hand with associations. Connectivity is not the problem.”

Reconfiguration in the automotive industry

For his part, Daniel Hernández, president of the National Network of Automotive Industry Clusters of Mexico (Redcam) , stressed that the automotive sector has registered changes, including the speed at which it moves, driven by the role of China and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as by the adjustments in the Treaty between Mexico, the United States and Canada (USMCA) .

“The automotive industry is experiencing its most profound transformation in a century, driven by technology and now by the reconfiguration of value chains and a major new player: China. The global map has changed; today, the center of gravity of the industry, which was primarily in Detroit or Tokyo, is now in China,” he said.

He recalled that last year 96.4 million vehicles were manufactured , of which 36% were produced in that country, while 10 years ago it manufactured 24 million units and sold 700,000 to the world; in 2025 it manufactured 34 million and placed more than seven million cars worldwide.

Daniel Hernandez described China’s development in the automotive industry as “impressive,” even stating that its current production is more than double that of North America.

“All the mobility and growth of the automotive industry is driven by China. Last year, we had negative growth of just under 1% in our assembly industry, while they are growing by over three million units produced each year. Their production capacity is greater than any other country, and they are also absorbing a large number of electric vehicles. I think that’s where some of the frustration in the automotive industry comes from, because the progress of electrification hasn’t been as we expected,” he noted.

He stated that this change is related to the development of their supply chains , mainly in the critical supply for electric vehicles, batteries and basic raw materials.

Furthermore, he indicated that China is already one of the world’s largest vehicle exporters, with Brazil, Russia, and Mexico being its main markets. In Mexico alone, there are 30 Chinese brands, and 11 of them have a distribution and maintenance network.

In that regard, he asserted that the supply chain must make strategic investments , while suppliers need to appeal to a closer proximity with their customers’ engineering cycles, use of AI, process automation, among other actions.

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

El cargo New Customs Law Impacts Mexican Foreign Trade: AMTI apareció primero en T21.

The reform to the Customs Law, which came into effect in 2026, has become one of the main challenges for logistics in Mexico, since it has not provided advantages for foreign trade, but rather obstacles to its operation, considered the Mexican Association of Intermodal Transport (AMTI) .

“The reform of the Customs Law, far from creating advantages, has created more obstacles to operations, as it places greater responsibilities on customs brokers and more penalties on transporters and customs brokers, which is beginning to cause some friction in foreign trade. The nature of customs is to facilitate foreign trade, and this reform is generating a series of complaints,” explained Luis Hernández, president of AMTI.

During the webinar “Supply Chain Readiness in North America” , Hernández pointed out that this scenario is currently occurring, despite having a greater investment in logistics in the country.

According to the Ministry of Economy (SE) , the transport, postal and storage sector attracted 913 million dollars (USD) of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the first quarter of 2026, a growth of 123.3% compared to the same period in 2025, when it was 409 million USD.

Luis Hernández indicated that there are currently bottlenecks in customs operations, such as duplicate inspections , staff availability, binational coordination, and crossing times.

“In order to resolve the capacity issue and be more in line with the growth we are logistically promoting and what the United States, Canada, and Mexico are seeking to supply that market, the country still has to resolve many problems related to customs to be at the same level,” he commented.

Therefore, he asserted that the challenge is to cross borders, move goods, and expedite the flow of logistics. “We have to resolve the customs issue as a logistics industry and work hand in hand with associations. Connectivity is not the problem.”

Reconfiguration in the automotive industry

For his part, Daniel Hernández, president of the National Network of Automotive Industry Clusters of Mexico (Redcam) , stressed that the automotive sector has registered changes, including the speed at which it moves, driven by the role of China and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as by the adjustments in the Treaty between Mexico, the United States and Canada (USMCA) .

“The automotive industry is experiencing its most profound transformation in a century, driven by technology and now by the reconfiguration of value chains and a major new player: China. The global map has changed; today, the center of gravity of the industry, which was primarily in Detroit or Tokyo, is now in China,” he said.

He recalled that last year 96.4 million vehicles were manufactured , of which 36% were produced in that country, while 10 years ago it manufactured 24 million units and sold 700,000 to the world; in 2025 it manufactured 34 million and placed more than seven million cars worldwide.

Daniel Hernandez described China’s development in the automotive industry as “impressive,” even stating that its current production is more than double that of North America.

“All the mobility and growth of the automotive industry is driven by China. Last year, we had negative growth of just under 1% in our assembly industry, while they are growing by over three million units produced each year. Their production capacity is greater than any other country, and they are also absorbing a large number of electric vehicles. I think that’s where some of the frustration in the automotive industry comes from, because the progress of electrification hasn’t been as we expected,” he noted.

He stated that this change is related to the development of their supply chains , mainly in the critical supply for electric vehicles, batteries and basic raw materials.

Furthermore, he indicated that China is already one of the world’s largest vehicle exporters, with Brazil, Russia, and Mexico being its main markets. In Mexico alone, there are 30 Chinese brands, and 11 of them have a distribution and maintenance network.

In that regard, he asserted that the supply chain must make strategic investments , while suppliers need to appeal to a closer proximity with their customers’ engineering cycles, use of AI, process automation, among other actions.

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

El cargo New Customs Law Impacts Mexican Foreign Trade: AMTI apareció primero en T21.

LOS CABOS, BCS – Productivity is no longer measured solely in movements per hour. At the XXVII Intermodal Congress of the Mexican Intermodal Transportation Association (AMTI) , port operators, shipping companies, and railway companies agreed that the true challenge for the Mexican logistics chain is no longer building more capacity, but rather ensuring that all links operate in a connected manner , with traceability and predictability.

During the panel “Infrastructure that connects: productivity in motion”, moderated by Francisco Fabila, general director of Ferrocarril y Terminal del Valle de México (Ferrovalle) , the participants outlined a shared diagnosis: Mexico has world-class port and rail infrastructure, but the lack of technological and operational integration continues to generate uncertainty for intermodal users.

“The challenge is not basically to create more capacity, it’s not to build more capacity than we already have. At good levels of productivity, we still have capacity, we have solid operational talent , and world-class infrastructure. I think what we lack is integration,” stated Héctor Espinoza, Director of Operations for Mexico and Central America at Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) .

The conversation revolved around a recurring concept: the customer no longer demands just speed, but certainty . Iker Allison, Vice President of Marketing at SSA Marine Mexico , one of the country’s leading port operators, summarized one of the industry’s biggest challenges: “The customer can tolerate a one-day delay. What they can’t tolerate is uncertainty, not knowing when their container will arrive.”

Following this logic, the panelists agreed that productivity is no longer exclusively associated with throughput or hourly transaction records at terminals. Now, the focus is on the overall user experience and the ability of the entire supply chain to deliver reliable, real-time information.

“Giving them the possibility at all times, from end to end, of that predictability and consistency is what we prioritize today,” Espinoza added, noting that traditional operational metrics have begun to lose relevance compared to the need to guarantee complete cargo traceability.

Daniela Silva, Chief Commercial Officer of APM Terminals Mexico , explained that one of the most demanded factors by intermodal users is precisely the constant visibility of operations . “Having real-time information, accessible 24/7,” she noted, “has become an indispensable element in modern logistics.”

However, the panel agreed that technology alone will not solve the supply chain’s structural problems. Although each actor has developed platforms, monitoring systems, and digital tools, the lack of communication between them continues to generate friction.

“If there were true interconnectivity through systems and the customer received a single response, then that would eliminate uncertainty ,” Allison stated. He noted that it is still common for a terminal to report that a container has already been loaded onto the railcar while the rail operator maintains that the container has not yet appeared in their system.

This disconnect is also reflected in customs processes . During the panel, it was highlighted that, despite advances in digitization, most users continue to experience delays and intermittent service on government platforms. “How can you provide a predictable, repeatable service when the system is down?” Fabila asked, referring to the challenges still facing the Single Window for Foreign Trade (Vucem).

The discussion then shifted to automation and the use of artificial intelligence within port terminals. Silva highlighted that APM Terminals operates the only 100% automated yard in Latin America in Lázaro Cárdenas , equipped with OCR systems and traceability tools developed both globally and locally.

“ Technology is another ally . Logistics never stops. So, creating tools that allow the customer to have 24/7 access to information is fundamental,” he stated.

For Fabila, technological advancements have already radically transformed logistics operations. “Today, logistics is a watershed moment in how technology can bring operational efficiency to our processes,” he stated, describing the impact of automated terminals and the use of artificial intelligence in cargo recognition and handling.

But even in an increasingly automated environment , the panelists insisted that the main bottleneck remains coordination between actors. “The development we may achieve as isolated entities means nothing if all the actors in this chain do not also increase their productivity,” Allison warned.

Meanwhile, the companies confirmed their continued commitment to Mexico with new expansion projects. Silva noted that APM Terminals recently inaugurated Phase 2 of its expansion in Lázaro Cárdenas, adding 65 hectares and new automated cranes, and announced a third phase focused on extending the dock by 420 meters .

“We believe that Mexico is a potential market and we believe in its development,” he said.

Despite a global environment marked by economic uncertainty and trade tensions, participants were optimistic about the performance of the second half of the year and the upcoming peak season .

“We are expecting a very good , positive peak season and we are preparing for that,” Allison commented, while Espinoza assured that MSC maintains a “very robust capacity” and a long-term commitment to the Mexican market.

The discussion also addressed the challenge of increasing rail’s share of freight movement from ports. Participants felt that the potential of intermodal transport remains underutilized and requires greater promotion of its operational and environmental advantages.

“There is enormous value in rail transport ,” Silva stated. “It’s about how we incentivize the use of rail by showing real advantages for the customer.”

Sustainability emerged as another strategic focus for the industry. SSA Marine highlighted that the terminal they acquired in Manzanillo was the first fully electrified terminal in the country, while APM Terminals stated that by 2026 it will operate with 100% clean energy in Lázaro Cárdenas and will develop electrification projects in Progreso.

Finally, Fabila proposed a change in perspective regarding the role of port terminals . “Terminals should be conceived as transfer spaces, not storage facilities,” he argued, maintaining that true intermodal efficiency depends on keeping containers flowing constantly and minimizing their time spent within ports.

Beyond the multimillion-dollar investments in infrastructure, automation, or expansion, the panel reached a clear conclusion: the future of Mexican intermodal transport will depend less on building more capacity and more on ensuring that the entire logistics chain finally operates as a single system.

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El cargo Ports, shipping companies and railways seek to accelerate intermodal integration in Mexico apareció primero en T21.

LOS CABOS, BCS.- The Mexican Intermodal Transportation Association (AMTI) took advantage of its XXVII Intermodal Congress to recognize two of the pillars that drive the evolution of this industry: the talent that has contributed to building it for decades and the technological innovation that is beginning to redefine its future.

Through the presentation of the Silver Container, the organization recognized Luis Garulo for his Intermodal Career and Ferrovalle Intermodal for the OCR Automated Gates project, a solution focused on the automation of access to the terminal, installed in the heart of Mexico City, using artificial vision.

The ceremony became a recognition of the development that intermodal transport has experienced in Mexico in recent years, as well as the people and projects that have contributed to consolidating an increasingly efficient, technologically advanced and competitive ecosystem.

In presenting the Intermodal Career Achievement Award, Luis Hernández, president of AMTI, highlighted Luis Garulo’s influence on the training of generations of professionals in the sector . Beyond his operational experience, he emphasized his role as a mentor and technical authority within an industry that has evolved from terminals with limited processes to complex, integrated logistics platforms.

“Luis Garulo is a leading figure in intermodal transportation in North America. Luis is one of the key figures in integrating intermodal transport ,” Hernández said, recalling a professional relationship that spans more than a decade and highlighting the honoree’s willingness to share his knowledge with those starting their careers in the sector.

The association leader also emphasized that the recognition reflects a career dedicated to strengthening operational standards and processes that are now part of the evolution of intermodal transport in the region. “Luis, please accept this well-deserved tribute for all your years invested in making this industry a world-class model,” he stated.

The distinction is based on a professional career linked to the development of railway solutions and international customer service.

Garulo is part of Union Pacific Railroad’s international customer service and support team. Throughout his career, he has established himself as one of the most experienced specialists in integrating rail and logistics operations between Mexico and the United States, a characteristic that explains the recognition he has received from the industry.

Upon receiving the Silver Container, Garulo responded with a brief but meaningful message for an industry that continues to expand its reach in North America. “It is a privilege to be part of Intermodal’s history in Mexico and to keep moving forward. That is what we are here for, and to grow even further,” he stated.

The ceremony also served to highlight the role of technological innovation in transforming supply chains. Through an audiovisual message, AMTI emphasized that the Silver Container for Innovation recognizes projects capable of generating tangible improvements in national logistics through operational efficiency, reduced environmental impact, strengthened infrastructure, economic viability, and the adoption of disruptive technologies.

Among seven participating initiatives, the recognition was awarded to Ferrovalle Intermodal for OCR Automated Gates , a project that automates the entry and exit processes of tractor-trailer trucks using optical character recognition and artificial vision technology.

According to the project presentation, the solution allows for validations to be performed in a matter of seconds, optimizing first and last mile operations, strengthening real-time traceability, and reducing polluting emissions by decreasing waiting times and vehicular congestion within the terminal.

Upon receiving the award, Francisco Fabila, general director of Ferrocarril y Terminal del Valle de México (Ferrovalle Intermodal) , emphasized that innovation is the result of a collective effort and not of a single person.

“This is an award that doesn’t belong to just one person. I believe that at Ferrovalle (the award) belongs to the entire extended family that works here,” he said in front of company representatives who participated in the development of the project.

Fabila highlighted that technological transformation has become one of the organization’s main strategic pillars in recent years, driving initiatives aimed at digitizing processes and reducing dependence on paper in logistics operations.

“I believe we have consolidated a vision where all solutions must have a technological component,” he stated. He even set an ambitious goal for the terminal: “We do want to be one of the most paperless terminals and logistics hubs in Mexico, completely paperless.”

Beyond the recognition received, the executive considered the award a commitment to continue promoting solutions that raise the standards of the intermodal industry. “This makes us very proud, but it also commits us. We are committed to continuing to improve industry standards,” he stated.

Thus, the delivery of the Silver Container once again reflected the two forces that currently shape the development of intermodal transport in Mexico: the experience accumulated by those who have contributed to building the sector for decades and the technological innovation that seeks to respond to the challenges of efficiency, sustainability and competitiveness that modern logistics faces.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Enrique Duarte Rionda  /  @GrupoT21

El cargo Silver Container 2026 recognizes legacy and innovation apareció primero en T21.

LOS CABOS, BCS – Intermodal transportation in Mexico is experiencing “the best moment in its history.” This was the assertion of Luis Hernández, president of the Mexican Intermodal Transportation Association (AMTI) , at the inauguration of the XXVII Intermodal Congress , where he outlined a landscape of expansion for the industry, marked by record figures , new cargo dynamics, and a growing participation of the sector in the country’s economic and logistical agenda.

Far from presenting a discourse focused solely on statistics, Hernández opted for a narrative that sought to define the current state of Mexican intermodal transport as a result of years of investment, coordination, and integration among operators, terminals, railways, and freight users.

“Today, intermodal transport in Mexico is not only growing, it is experiencing the best moment in its history, and this is not just a figure of speech. The real data tells us this ,” he stated to industry representatives.

The leader explained that during the first quarter of 2026, the intermodal system moved more than 333,000 loaded containers , a figure that represented a 10% annual growth and the best start for the sector in at least seven years. However, he emphasized that the main change lies not only in the volume, but also in the diversification of growth.

“For the first time, success is not in a single sector. Growth was widespread . The cross-border, domestic, and maritime markets all grew together simultaneously, as a single sector,” he stated.

Within that performance, Hernández particularly highlighted the dynamism of the cross-border segment , which registered a growth of 15% and reached a historic record driven by the increase in rail imports from the United States, especially non-automotive cargo.

“We are finally moving away from our dependence on automotive freight as an intermodal industry. We are transforming into a general freight industry,” he said.

According to the president of AMTI, this transition represents one of the most relevant structural changes for the industry in recent decades, because it strengthens the integration of intermodal transport with the consumer, manufacturing and food sectors , expanding the range of goods that use rail and containers as a logistics axis.

This transformation is also reflected in the domestic market, historically considered one of the most complex segments for Mexican intermodal transport . Hernández acknowledged that for years the operating balance of domestic services was negative, although he asserted that signs of maturity are now beginning to appear in key corridors.

“April reflected a 99% balance. In the 17 years I’ve been monitoring this, we’ve never seen a 99% balance. That is, for every load we add, we lose one load,” he commented.

He added that the growth of the domestic market is also being driven by greater confidence among Mexican companies in rail and intermodal services for the movement of consumer goods.

“We went from moving eight thousand containers in 2019 to more than 21 thousand in the first quarter. That’s a growth of more than 150 percent . It’s proof that rail and intermodal transport are now part of the daily life of Mexican companies,” he said.

At the same time, maritime corridors maintained a positive trend, exceeding 210,000 units moved between the country’s four main seaports, with a growth of 7%, in a context where port-rail connectivity is beginning to consolidate as a strategic component for national logistics competitiveness.

However, Hernández insisted that behind the figures there is a network of investments, infrastructure and human capital that has allowed the sector’s growth to be sustained.

“More has been invested in terminals and intermodal corridors in the last 24 months than in the last 10 years,” he said.

In that regard, he acknowledged the work of railway operators, terminal staff and workers in the sector who, he said, keep “the country awake and connected” , while stressing that intermodal transport has ceased to be merely a logistical alternative and has become “the economic engine of the country”.

The president of AMTI also highlighted the strengthening of institutional dialogue between industry and the federal government, particularly on issues related to competitiveness, foreign trade, infrastructure and railway safety .

“We have brought this pride and this technical strength to the most important dialogue tables with the government, with the Ministry of Economy and with Customs ,” he commented.

Within those conversations, he highlighted the participation of the National Service for Agrifood Health, Safety and Quality (Senasica) in promoting corridors for refrigerated cargo, especially from projects led by Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) to move refrigerated imports by rail.

Hernández also revived the debate surrounding nearshoring – which he preferred to call “nearsource” – and asserted that Mexico is going through a historic juncture resulting from the global reconfiguration of supply chains.

“Now we are truly living the Mexican moment ,” he affirmed. “Geography is on our side, the free trade agreement (USMCA) is here to stay, and we need to understand how we will operate within this new free trade agreement.”

From that perspective, the leader called on the industry to maintain unity and accelerate efforts to build a more efficient, sustainable and secure logistics network , capable of responding to the new demands of foreign trade.

“The real challenge I propose to you today is not to surpass a certain figure next quarter; the challenge is for us to continue walking together, to continue believing in innovation, in leaving a more sustainable world for those who come after us,” he concluded.

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El cargo Intermodal accelerates its historic moment: AMTI apareció primero en T21.

Planning, the use of technology, and protocols are the main actions for safety in cargo movement, agreed specialists in the logistics sector.

According to Leonardo Gómez, executive president of the National Association of Private Transportation (ANTP) , 10 states in the country account for 93% of highway robberies ; 50% are concentrated in three of them.

“I believe we can focus on and address this situation with very good practices,” Gómez noted, during the panel “ Safe Routes: Overview of Good Practices ,” as part of the first day of activities at The Logistics World Summit & Expo .

In that regard, Eva María Muñoz, president of the Mexican Association of Freight Forwarders (Amacarga) , highlighted the importance of route planning , especially in urban areas, where, among other events, demonstrations could occur.

He emphasized the use of technologies that allow for vehicle monitoring, as well as having contingency protocols in place to act quickly, “since it can take us longer, not so much because of theft, but because of demonstrations, which put the driver and the goods at risk. When we have the last mile in urban areas, that’s when we encounter many complications.”

He considered it important to conduct a more in-depth investigation of service providers , how many robberies they have, what their normal handling statistics are, “so that we can have a certain level of security and deliver a better result.”

Muñoz said that, given the current risks, these types of actions must be carried out every day, as well as having information on the routes and times with the highest risk in order to avoid the area.

For his part, Luis Hernández, president of the Mexican Association of Intermodal Transportation (AMTI) , reiterated the use of technology, such as seals with GPS notifications, which allows them to know if there was a door opening, weight changes, among other aspects.

“Actually, the impact on rail traffic from point A to point B isn’t as significant as it can be in the final few miles. We’re working with the associations to see how we can collaborate by sharing the information we generate with our partners,” he emphasized.

He added that the control towers have been working through the logistics integrator, as they help to verify every point of the operation.

“It has grown a lot and has been very positive for the movement of our cargo. I reiterate, much of it has been in the first and last miles, which is where the scale of the operation is somewhat diminished by having to move only one or two containers per day, per hour, on a daily basis. In addition to that, the satellite monitoring seals have been very useful for us in generating statistics and developing a security strategy,” he explained.

Luis Villatoro, president of the National Association of Vehicle Tracking and Protection Companies (ANERPV) , mentioned that, in addition to prevention and technology, data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), video telematics, GPS, and protocols such as training and professionalization of the human factor are necessary.

“If that human factor interacts correctly from the point of view of prevention, plus the support that artificial intelligence and technology can give you, of course, to track and trace the units, the response times to an incident, whatever it may be, a robbery or an accident, that may put the movement of that unit or the logistical operation at risk, consequently, it is the human factor that reacts based on criteria or standards,” he explained.

He explained that one of the standards is data analysis , as well as identifying the points where crimes are concentrated.

He considered it important to have a control tower, whose capacity can absorb information such as the closure of a road, an accident, such as the burning of vehicles, resulting from a criminal group or the arrest of a criminal leader.

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El cargo These actions help maintain safety during cargo movement apareció primero en T21.

2026 will be a turning point for intermodal transport in Mexico , a year in which Luis Hernández , the new president of the Mexican Intermodal Transport Association (AMTI) , is preparing to transform this key segment of the national logistics sector. His vision for this year is clear: to boost competitiveness in the North American region by standardizing foreign trade processes and converting a larger portion of land freight to the intermodal model. Hernández, who also serves as executive vice president of Intermodal at Grupo México Transportes (GMXT) and Florida East Coast Railway , is confident that this process will be vital for strengthening the sector.

As we move into 2025, the results already point to a positive outlook. In the last year, cross-border traffic experienced a 25% increase, a significant figure attributed to the rise in Mexican exports to its northern neighbors. Furthermore, new rail services to the southeastern and northeastern United States have also played a crucial role in this growth. However, at the national level, the outlook has been less favorable . Although the country continues to experience positive figures overall, the maritime and land transport sectors faced setbacks. In particular, customs changes implemented at key ports such as Manzanillo, Lázaro Cárdenas, and the Mexico City customs office generated cargo delays and a significant shift toward road transport. In fact, the 10% to 12% decline in the maritime sector reflects how regulations and process changes directly impact the intermodal logistics chain.

INTERMODAL BOOST

Nevertheless, optimism persists. “Adapting to these changes will give us a competitive advantage. Once the regulatory challenges are overcome, the sector will be able to attract more cargo, and collaboration with terminals, ports, and customs will be more efficient,” says Hernández, who is convinced that 2026 will be a year of recovery and expansion for the intermodal sector . Furthermore, the growing demand for this transportation model is supported by a favorable economic climate: investments are flowing toward equipment modernization and the arrival of new players in the market. The incorporation of American chassis in Mexico and the growth of players like the Isthmus and Trans-Isthmus Railways, which are seeking to open routes to the southeast of the country, show that the industry is evolving. “The southeast is a crucial point for intermodal operations. If we manage to attract the right participants, this region will become a fundamental engine for the expansion of intermodal transport,” he adds.

El cargo 2026, the year of railway reconnection apareció primero en T21.

Luis Hernández, executive vice president of Intermodal at Grupo México Transportes (GMXT) and Florida East Coast Railway , was elected as the new president of the Mexican Association of Intermodal Transportation (AMTI) for the period 2026-2028.

Following the AMTI Ordinary Assembly, held the day before, the appointment was approved by a majority vote.

“We will work to promote the conversion of land freight to intermodal transport, create the conditions for more efficient and productive logistics in Mexico, and standardize foreign trade processes with a view to consolidating a unified, economically and logistically integrated North America,” said Luis Hernández.

Likewise, he indicated that the renegotiation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will be a turning point for the development of the industry , and therefore anticipated that they will actively participate in the forums organized by the Ministry of Economy (SE) , as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) and the Senate of the Republic .

He also indicated that he will promote the participation of young people in the different activities carried out in the intermodal sector , “the goal is to incorporate fresh, new and transformative ideas,” he stressed.

Daniela Zarza of Union Pacific , and Adriana Muñoz of  Matson Logistics , will accompany Luis Hernández as secretary and treasurer, respectively, during the period 2026-2028.

In addition, Carlos Treviño of BNSF , as first vice president; Adriana Covarrubias of CPKC of Mexico , as second vice president; Francisco Fabila of Ferrovalle , as third vice president; and Johnny Curiel of JB Hunt , as fourth vice president.

Also, Priscilla Huitron of MSC , as first member; Adrián Salinas of STG Logistics , as second member; Sebastián Díaz of Baja Ferries , as third member, and Abraham Jiménez of Hutchison Ports México , as fourth member.

Diego Anchustegui, the outgoing president, thanked the Board of Directors who had accompanied him for the past three years.

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El cargo Luis Hernández, new president of the Mexican Intermodal Transport Association apareció primero en T21.

“Mexico has a cargo imbalance in some markets; it exports more than it imports from the United States, and that impacts us with cross-border tariffs . Depending on the routes, we need to know if we’re going to be cheap, if we’re going to help with empty return flights, or where we’re going to jump in line if it’s oversold,” said Luis Felipe González, Vice President of Customer Solutions for EASO and Hub Group .

During his participation in Container Week , organized by the Mexican Association of Intermodal Transport (AMTI) , he added that the reduction in capacity of B1 operators, the insecurity in some corridors in Mexico, among other factors, also impact intermodal transport.

Regarding the high level of capacity for land transport in the United States, he explained that this situation leads to low intermodal rates , while “the rhetoric of the President of the United States, Donald Trump, changes every day and affects us.”

At the event, he indicated that the shortage of road transport for certain markets, such as in the port of Lázaro Cárdenas, gave rise to a phenomenon in the arrival of automobiles of Chinese origin, since they were moved through containers .

He also pointed out that fuel and other ancillary costs are included in the fares for this mode of transport. However, he mentioned that compared to trucking, they offer stable annual fares, more consistent transit times, and more cost-effective door-to-door service.

He reported that, according to AMTI data, for the first half of this year, cross-border intermodal grew 17%, while domestic intermodal grew 7%, and maritime intermodal registered a drop of 8%.

“Domestic freight has grown strongly in recent years. It slowed down in 2021, but in 2022, 2023, and 2024, while the total volume of cargo may still be low, it remains one of the fastest-growing segments in terms of percentage. We’ve struggled quite a bit to recover volumes in cross-border freight due to the dynamics of the relationship with the United States. As for maritime intermodal freight, the pandemic and the Long Beach port closure had a positive effect, causing many cargo flows from China to North America to shift to Lázaro Cárdenas and Manzanillo,” he emphasized.

Luis Felipe González predicts a good end to the year for this mode of transport .

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El cargo What factors impact intermodal transport rates? apareció primero en T21.

From 2019 to 2025, intermodal transport in Mexico has registered an annual growth of 2.5%, even above the economy, although the challenge is to offer more routes to develop cross border , intra-Mexico and maritime transport .

Humberto Vargas, Chief Commercial Officer of Crossdock , said that security is one of the challenges of intermodal transport, and although the rates are lower, the incidents that occur must be addressed.

During Container Week , organized by the Mexican Intermodal Transport Association (AMTI) , it was revealed that the average annual growth for cross-border transport during this period is 5.1%, while maritime transport is 0.1%, and intra-Mexico transport is 28.5%.

“The 2.5% annual growth speaks volumes about the trust and solutions that users find in intermodal transport. This is something that has been worked on for the last 25 years to achieve, and it demonstrates the confidence that the logistics industry has in the solutions that railways offer,” he noted.

The specialist indicated that the industry’s participation in the maritime sector is 12% compared to 88% for road transport, in cross-border transport it is 6% compared to 94% for land transport, and in intra-Mexico transport it is 1.6% compared to 98.4%.

“The challenge for maritime intermodal transport lies in customs processes and the capacity of port and inland terminals. In cross-border transport, we see investments primarily from North American companies to consolidate this service offering, such as Hub Group with EASO and Matson. We see increased interest in developing it. The challenge is to facilitate the service. Intra-Mexico is a product that is in full development; we are hearing from Ferromex about new routes and more containers. Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) is already making efforts on the Mexico City-Monterrey-Nuevo Laredo route. We will see more,” he explained.

Hoshi Jurado, AVP Intermodal of Grupo México Transportes (GMXT) , highlighted that the railway company is analyzing how to promote intermodal transport from the ports and make the process easier. He also indicated that they are increasing their network for this mode of transport .

“The various intermodal terminals connect with almost all the strategic points of the country. Furthermore, in terms of sustainability, intermodal transport is one of the solutions, reducing emissions by 71%,” he stated.

For her part, Adriana Covarrubias, Senior Sales Manager for Intermodal Mexico at CPKC de México , pointed out that moving cargo by rail helps reduce road congestion and is an “efficient, agile, safe and environmentally responsible way to transport cargo.”

Humberto Vargas, who was also president of AMTI, considered that to have a greater boost in this form of transport it is necessary to approach the port community and understand the solutions that the railways offer, as well as the expansion to new markets, longer customs hours, standardization of operations, among others.

Meanwhile, Nashielly Escobedo, general director of the Latin American Confederation of Customs Agents (CLAA) , commented that the new Customs Law establishes challenges for all participants in the foreign trade supply chain.

“We have little time to implement the controls stipulated by law to prevent disruptions to cargo flow. Many of these controls, instead of helping us become more efficient, will reduce our competitiveness, but we must do our part to avoid negative impacts,” he emphasized.

He explained that with the proposed changes to domestic transit, customs brokers are expected to have to inspect merchandise at the point of entry for clearance purposes, which will impact the flow of goods. “This is quite concerning; it’s established in the new law that comes into effect on January 1st,” he noted.

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El cargo This is the annual growth of intermodal transport in Mexico from 2019 to 2025 apareció primero en T21.