Volatility has ceased to be a passing phenomenon and has become a permanent condition that is transforming the operation of supply chains worldwide , according to the State of Logistics 2026 Report  prepared by Kearney and presented by Penske Logistics during the annual conference of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) .

The study concludes that carriers and logistics providers face an environment of persistent disruption , in which cost pressures, geopolitical uncertainty, energy volatility and labor restrictions have ceased to be temporary factors and have become structural conditions that demand continuous adaptation.

Among the main findings, the report notes that logistics costs for US companies amounted to $2.4051 billion in 2025, a decrease of 1.0% compared to the $2.4302 billion recorded in 2024.

It also identifies five forces that continue to define the macroeconomic environment : asymmetric global growth; tighter financial conditions due to persistent inflation and rising public debt; the accelerated realignment of trade flows; labor market and productivity constraints; and energy price volatility.

The document also highlights that artificial intelligence has moved beyond the experimental stage to become a tool capable of generating measurable business returns through four capabilities: interpreting, predicting, recommending, and executing. However, it cautions that its adoption remains uneven, as some companies have integrated it into their core operations while others continue to use it only in isolated solutions.

In response to this environment, the report notes that companies are accelerating automation and digital investment to address labor constraints . It also recommends strengthening supply chain resilience, prioritizing asset productivity, expanding end-to-end visibility, and accelerating the return on investment in technology.

“This year’s report comes at a time when the forces reshaping global supply chains are no longer temporary disruptions, but permanent features of the operating environment,” said Korhan Acar, Kearney partner and lead author of the State of Logistics Report.

He added that rising costs stemming from energy volatility, inflation, and geopolitical instability are forcing companies to rethink their operating models, while technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and autonomous transportation are moving toward large-scale implementation.

For his part, Mark Baxa, president and CEO of CSCMP, noted that supply chains require constant adjustments due to the speed at which the business and geopolitical environment evolves, and therefore anticipated that logistics networks will continue to transform in the coming years.

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El cargo Volatility redefines global logistics and forces a rethinking of supply chains apareció primero en T21.

Cargo security has evolved beyond simply tracking vehicles. Today, companies are looking for tools that allow them to monitor fuel, temperature, cargo, and operational performance from a single platform.

This transformation responds to both operational needs and the security challenges facing the sector. Cargo theft remains one of the main risks to logistics in Mexico, and according to experts, a driver experiences an incident on the road every 30 minutes .

Given this scenario, technological solutions have ceased to be merely tracking tools and have become comprehensive systems for prevention, monitoring, and operational management.

Based on that premise, Total Protect has expanded its portfolio of solutions with new tools focused on the security of the units and also on fuel control, cold chain and the monitoring of goods during their transport .

The Total Protect ecosystem consists of six main solutions: Total Protect , which integrates the different layers of security; Protect Video , focused on video surveillance; Vault , for the protection of merchandise; Secure , oriented towards the security of the unit and the operator; Locate , focused on geolocation and tracking; and Addons , which incorporates complementary tools such as fuel monitoring, temperature and telemetry.

María de los Ángeles Useche, the company’s Commercial Director, explained to T21 that the development of these products arises from the needs that the customers themselves have expressed as their operations evolve.

“After we managed to reduce the incidence of security incidents, clients started requesting more things. They tell us what is happening in their operations, and from there we look for technologies that are adapted to the Mexican market,” he said.

One of the most recent developments is a monitoring system for refrigerated transport capable of performing up to three simultaneous temperature measurements within the same box.

This allows for the separate monitoring of frozen, chilled, and dry goods using a single device.

The information is recorded throughout the journey, facilitating cargo traceability and allowing the identification of possible temperature deviations or incidents during the trip.

From data to decision making

Another area where the company has detected a growing need is fuel control .

According to María de los Ángeles Useche, nearly half of a fleet’s operating costs correspond to diesel consumption , so losses resulting from illegal extractions or unauthorized unloading can represent significant impacts for carriers.

To address this problem, the company incorporated sensors that allow monitoring the behavior of the tanks in real time and generating geolocated alerts when atypical decreases are detected.

The platform offers information per unit or per fleet, including performance, kilometers traveled and possible fuel extractions.

Beyond generating alerts, the collected information allows carriers to identify consumption patterns , validate performance, detect operational deviations, and make decisions aimed at improving the efficiency of their fleets.

A similar approach is applied to temperature monitoring for sensitive goods. The records generated by these devices provide traceability of the cargo’s journey and facilitate the identification of incidents that could compromise its integrity during transport.

In addition to the economic benefit, the executive assured that visibility into these operations also contributes to changing behaviors within organizations .

“When people know they are being monitored, their habits improve. That’s one of the things we’ve observed in our clients,” he commented.

In this way, the information generated by the various systems ceases to be merely an operational record and becomes a management tool . Analyzing this data allows companies to make more informed decisions regarding safety, productivity, maintenance, and efficiency within their logistics operations.

Video, artificial intelligence, and evidence in the cloud

Technological evolution also reached video surveillance systems.

Currently, Total Protect has platforms that allow evidence to be stored in the cloud to prevent the loss of information in case of damage or tampering with the devices installed in the units.

The solution automatically generates clips associated with specific events, such as panic button activations, sudden braking, or sudden acceleration.

In this way, monitoring operators can review what happened before and after the incident, identify potential risks, and have evidence for investigations or determining liability.

In addition, there is a volumetric camera equipped with a battery and solar panel that allows monitoring of the cargo space inside trailers and boxes.

In addition to detecting unauthorized openings using light sensors, the tool helps verify the correct distribution of merchandise, a factor that can influence the stability and safety of the units during transit.

Centralized monitoring and recovery of up to 97% 

The foundation of all these solutions continues to be the security suite developed by the company.

The ecosystem integrates geolocation, anti-assault systems, engine stop, electronic locks for cargo compartments and video surveillance.

According to data shared by the company, the combination of these tools allows for recovery rates exceeding 95%, and reaching up to 97% when video and merchandise protection systems are incorporated.

Behind these tools operates a centralized monitoring model that allows real-time event monitoring, incident response coordination, and the transformation of operational information into actions to improve fleet safety and efficiency.

The company reported that it conducts approximately nine thousand weekly test runs to verify the proper functioning of GPS, panic buttons, engine stop systems, and other devices installed in the units before starting operations, which allows it to have reliable information to react to any eventuality.

In addition, it recently launched a second alternate monitoring center with backup capacity, with the aim of ensuring operational continuity, maintaining service levels and supporting the growth of its customer base.

A World Cup with more movement… and more risks

Regarding the increase in the movement of goods resulting from the economic activity associated with the 2026 FIFA World Cup , the company anticipates an increase in logistics activity similar to that observed during high-demand seasons such as Black Friday or Christmas.

The strategy includes continuous monitoring of incidents, analysis of road impacts, and constant communication with customers to recommend alternative routes, safe waiting areas, or adjustments to delivery windows.

Useche estimated that the volume of trips could increase between 15 and 20% during these periods of higher activity.

“When there are more vehicles on the road, the risks also increase. That’s why prevention and timely information are essential,” he said.

Constant evolution for transport and logistics

With eight years of experience in the market, Total Protect has developed an ecosystem of solutions focused on security, monitoring and operational management for transport and logistics companies.

During its early years, the firm concentrated its efforts on developing and perfecting technological tools geared towards security and operational management.

“Our DNA is to protect, care, and solve problems,” Useche explained.

Today, the company serves more than 140 organizations , mainly in the transportation and logistics sector, and continues to incorporate new technological capabilities into its security ecosystem.

Among the upcoming developments are applications based on artificial intelligence aimed at analyzing crime patterns, identifying risks, and continuous learning from the incidents that its monitoring center handles daily.

For Useche, the goal is not to add technology based on trends, but to respond to specific problems in Mexican logistics operations.

“Everything we develop has one objective: to solve real problems in the Mexican market. We don’t innovate for the sake of innovation, but to improve operations, save costs, and support our clients,” he stated.

And that’s precisely where the company seeks to differentiate itself. In a sector where risks are constantly evolving, the strategy is no longer limited to reacting to an incident, but to anticipating it.

The combination of monitoring , data analysis , artificial intelligence, and operational knowledge seeks to become a tool that allows companies to make better decisions before a loss, disruption, or security event occurs.

Because in an industry where every trip involves risks, protection has ceased to be merely a safety measure and has become a strategic factor in the operation, Useche emphasized.

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El cargo Total Protect takes logistics security to another level apareció primero en T21.

US-based XPO is taking a decisive step in its regional strategy by strengthening its presence in Mexico. The appointment of Jesús Osuna as Managing Director is a move aimed at capitalizing on the potential of the cross-border market and consolidating its operations in both countries.

From Monterrey, Osuna will lead a new stage for the company, focused on getting closer to its customers, strengthening its commercial and operational structure in the country, and driving accelerated growth. 

Although the company has had cross-border operations for decades, until now they were mainly managed from the United States. 

“The goal is to bring that footprint we already have in the United States to Mexico, with a local presence, infrastructure and talent that allows us to strengthen the relationship with our clients and grow volume,” he explained. 

Mexico, a key player in the regional strategy 

For XPO, Mexico is not just an operational extension, but a strategic market. The decision to invest in the country responds both to the demand of its clients , primarily multinationals with operations on both sides of the border, and to the size of the opportunity. 

In this regard, the company is considering introducing capabilities in the country, in addition to leveraging its infrastructure in the United States. 

“The market share is there. A company like XPO couldn’t stay out of Mexico, especially with the infrastructure, technology, and customers we already have,” Osuna pointed out. 

The company’s operational approach is supported by its strength in the United States, where it is one of the main players in LTL (less-than-truckload) cargo , and by its ability to integrate services throughout the entire chain. 

Their proposal aims to solve one of the main problems in cross-border transport: the fragmentation of stakeholders. Instead of multiple providers, XPO offers a single point of contact from origin to destination, including tracking, customer service, operational management, and billing. 

“We want the customer to have a single point of contact, a single invoice, and a single responsibility. To simplify their life in a process that is normally complex,” he summarized. 

This model combines LTL operations with FTL (full truckload) consolidations , leveraging its network in the United States to efficiently distribute cargo once it has crossed the border. 

For its operations in the country, XPO has established strategic alliances, notably its collaboration with Almex as its main LTL partner. This partnership will allow it to extend its operating model in Mexico under technological and service standards aligned with its network in the United States.

In parallel, the company is evaluating additional agreements for FTL, with the goal of covering the entire national territory , including regions such as the north and the Bajío. 

Unlike other players, XPO does not identify infrastructure or security as its main challenges in Mexico, but rather communication and trust at the operational level. 

Osuna explained that, although trade agreements are usually closed in the United States, implementation in Mexican plants faces resistance due to a lack of knowledge about the supplier. 

“The challenge is to build trust in the operation. We want the teams on the plant floor to understand our capabilities and overcome any uncertainty about switching suppliers,” he said. 

With a focus on industries such as automotive, high tech , manufacturing and fashion retail , XPO seeks to position itself as the leading cross-border LTL provider between Mexico and the United States. 

The goal is clear: accelerated growth and leadership in the segment . 

“We didn’t come here just to see how things go. We want to be the best cross-border LTL provider between Mexico and the United States,” Osuna stated. 

Furthermore, the strategy is not limited to direct clients. The company also seeks to strengthen its relationship with freight forwarders, whom it considers key allies for expanding its operations on both sides of the border. 

Technology and artificial intelligence 

One of the pillars of XPO’s strategy in Mexico will be technology. The company is investing in the digitalization of processes through EDI and API integrations , as well as artificial intelligence tools to automate operations, optimize routes, and maximize capacity utilization. 

From scanning systems that automatically size the load to platforms that allow real-time visibility and dynamic route allocation, the goal is to eliminate manual processes and improve operational efficiency.

“We want to leave behind Excel spreadsheets and manual reports. Everything is managed by a system, with 24/7 visibility and automated processes,” Osuna emphasized.

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El cargo XPO strengthens its commitment to Mexico with local operations and a cross-border vision apareció primero en T21.

Logistics is the backbone of retail . From deciding whether a delivery will be made directly to the store or through distribution centers, to anticipating changes in demand due to weather phenomena or mass events, retail chains and their suppliers depend on information to make decisions.

However, many of the tools currently used by the industry are still based on historical data. In response, Jorge J. Quiroga, CEO of TodoRetail , pointed out that agentic artificial intelligence (AI) represents an evolution toward models capable of analyzing information in real time and generating more dynamic scenarios for operations.

In an interview with T21 , he explained how this type of intelligence seeks to complement traditional retail and logistics planning .

“The backbone of the retail business is distribution logistics. Historically, everything has been done based on past data and forecasts built from the last few weeks of sales, but today there are tools capable of incorporating much broader variables,” he explained.

According to the expert, traditional business planning systems rely on information generated at the point of sale to project future demand. However, external factors such as weather phenomena, major events, urban mobility, or demographic changes can significantly alter these patterns.

“Data is gold, but it’s not enough to just analyze what happened. The key is to understand what’s happening in real time and build future scenarios,” he asserted.

For his part, Alejandro Canales, founder of QualtomTronix, explained that agentic AI works through autonomous agents that continuously collect, verify, and cross-reference information from multiple sources.

“An agent is like an investigator who works 24 hours a day. Artificial intelligence is only as good as the quality of the data it is fed,” he noted.

Logistics as a beneficiary of new analysis models

Combining commercial data with climate, demographic, and geospatial information opens up new possibilities for logistics.

Canales explained that the analysis can incorporate variables such as temperature, rainfall, population density, or nighttime activity to identify potential changes in consumption and anticipate supply needs.

Quiroga mentioned that, in the face of extraordinary events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, these types of tools would allow estimating increases in demand by region and help suppliers and commercial chains to adjust inventories, routes and logistical capacities.

“Before a truck goes out on its route, you could modify the load configuration depending on the demand being generated in a certain area,” he commented.

He even pointed out that during weather events, the first distribution networks to arrive with aid are usually those of the wholesale channel, so having up-to-date information can facilitate the planning of products such as water, medicines, batteries or basic necessities.

Beyond technology, Quiroga considered that the industry faces three main challenges.

The first is to clearly define their long-term strategy , in an environment where chains must decide between continuing to expand physical stores or strengthening omnichannel models.

The second involves improving the relationship between suppliers and purchasing departments .

“There is ongoing frustration between both sides. They should work in a much more integrated way to better serve the end consumer,” he noted.

The third challenge is professionalization . Despite the sector’s economic importance, Quiroga believes there is still a lack of specialized retail training in Mexico, which limits the development of skills in areas such as procurement, market analysis, and category management.

Despite the economic challenges and the slowdown in consumption, the TodoRetail executive indicated that the country maintains enormous potential for trade growth.

“We have to believe in Mexico. The market is constantly changing, and companies have to learn to move with it. You can no longer remain static,” he stated.

In that context, the specialist assured that agentic artificial intelligence, such as the RetailTronix retail map , will not replace human decision-making, but could become a tool to improve market visibility and make commercial and logistical planning for retail more efficient .

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El cargo Retail logistics enters the era of agentic artificial intelligence apareció primero en T21.

The combination of increased accidents, cargo theft, and a shortage of drivers is creating a near-crisis scenario for Mexican trucking, where technology is becoming an indispensable tool to ensure the continuity of operations.

During its annual event, Motive unveiled new solutions based on artificial intelligence (AI) and on-device processing capabilities (Edge AI), designed to respond in real time to the challenges facing the industry.

“We are seeing a very complex, almost crisis-like scenario. It is a very resilient industry, but there is a significant increase in accidents, thefts and costs, in addition to a shortage of operators that is approaching 100,000,” said Omar Camacho, CEO of Motive, in an interview with T21.

The company presented solutions, including AI Dashcam Plus and AI Omnicam Plus , devices equipped with Edge AI, which allows for the interpretation of events and the generation of responses without the need to send information to the cloud.

It also announced Atlas , a conversational AI interface through which operators can interact with the system and receive real-time recommendations regarding traffic jams, risk zones, or emergency situations.

“We are seeing an increase of nearly 20% in accidents compared to last year, and we estimate a similar increase for next year. Today we have almost 16,000 registered robberies, and all of this creates a vicious cycle that could force many companies out of the market,” he warned.

Camacho explained that, given this scenario, fleets require integrated solutions capable of reacting in real time.

“Organized crime uses cutting-edge technology, and many carriers continue to operate with isolated systems. What we are proposing is a comprehensive platform that responds to these challenges,” he said.

According to the executive, some implementations have managed to reduce accidents by up to 80% in the first six months , as well as decrease fuel consumption by up to 30% and reduce insurance costs.

From a raid to an expansion

One of Motive’s success stories is Grupo ADET , a company specializing in last mile delivery for e-commerce clients such as Mercado Libre and Amazon.

Its CEO, Donaji Alvarado, explained that the company was founded almost four years ago with the conviction that technology should be a central part of the business.

“We worked at a company where tractor-trailers would disappear and we’d find out three days later. We’d say, ‘How is it possible that this is still happening?’ From the beginning, we knew we needed GPS, cameras, and monitoring tools,” he recalled.

After operating with another provider, Grupo ADET adopted Motive’s solutions and currently none of its units go on the road without monitoring and telemetry devices.

The executive recounted that, during the first operations with Mercado Libre in Naucalpan, one of their vehicles was robbed. However, the panic button and real-time monitoring allowed them to alert the control center and coordinate a response with the authorities.

“The monitoring team found out immediately, called the police, and they arrived at the house where the merchandise was located. They uncovered a major network involving stolen vehicles and arrested the group. Since then, we haven’t had any more robberies in that area, whereas before there was one per month,” he explained.

The incident ended up becoming a growth opportunity .

“We took all the evidence to the client, and from there we experienced enormous growth. We went from operating about 10 units to nearly 160 with that client. If that hadn’t happened, we probably wouldn’t be where we are today,” he said.

The last mile remains under pressure

Alvarado noted that the recent Hot Sale left a sustained demand for deliveries during June, forcing companies to increase their capacity by up to 50% , in an environment where hiring staff has become increasingly competitive.

“Such rapid growth is a financial challenge and also a human capital challenge, because all last-mile companies are looking for operators and staff at the same time,” he commented.

In the last two months, Grupo ADET increased its fleet by between 30% and 40% and is currently in a consolidation phase to take full advantage of the technological tools already available, including operator training solutions.

“Visibility is everything. It helps us in human resources, finance, and operations. There comes a point where it’s essential to have a system that allows you to know where all the units are and what’s happening with them,” he stated.

For Motive, artificial intelligence and real-time reaction capabilities will be key to facing the challenges that threaten road transport today.

“We want to have a greater impact on what really matters to our customers: reducing accidents, decreasing theft, improving productivity, and helping to address the operator shortage,” Camacho concluded.

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El cargo Artificial intelligence, key to combating theft and accidents in road transport: Motive apareció primero en T21.

At its annual Vision 26 event, Motive unveiled a new generation of solutions powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and integrated hardware , focused on solving two of the main challenges of physical operations: tool fragmentation and the burden of manual tasks.

During the meeting, the company unveiled new capabilities geared towards fleets and operational teams, with the aim of automating processes, improving safety and increasing productivity through a unified platform.

“All the operations leaders we spoke with had two problems in common: their systems were too fragmented, and their workflows included too many manual tasks. The solution lies in integration and automation,” said Shoaib Makani, CEO and co-founder of Motive.

He added that Motive has been dedicated to eliminating data silos, so “now we focus on helping our customers leverage AI to gain critical insights and automate interventions so they can operate more securely and productively . ”

The company highlighted that the new solutions allow data to be consolidated into a single view and complex workflows to be automated using AI, reducing manual intervention in critical processes.

AI Omnicam Plus: AI-powered 360° vision

One of the main announcements was IA Omnicam Plus , a new 360° camera system for commercial vehicles. The solution integrates the IA Dashcam Plus platform and the Qualcomm Dragonwing QCS6490 processor, allowing it to run more than 30 AI models simultaneously.

The system offers real-time monitoring from multiple angles and generates automatic alerts to detect risks such as pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles, helping to prevent incidents before they occur .

AI Dashcam Plus expands prevention capabilities

Motive also announced new features for AI Dashcam Plus , its AI-powered dashcam designed to detect unsafe behavior and issue instant alerts to operators.

Among the new features, the following stand out:

• Collision prevention through object tracking and trajectory prediction.
• Automatic license plate recognition to facilitate investigations and documentation of incidents.
• Real-time speed limit detection using computer vision.
• Live two-way calls between operators and managers without the need to use cell phones.

Atlas: Motive’s new AI assistant

Another launch was Atlas , an AI assistant that allows you to query information, analyze data, and execute actions from a single interface.

The tool incorporates platform-wide search capabilities and integrates with third-party tools such as Claude and ChatGPT via the Model Context Protocol (MCP), facilitating tasks such as cost analysis, regulatory compliance, or operational management.

In addition, Atlas will be available inside the cabin via an AI-powered voice assistant, allowing operators to perform actions using voice commands without being distracted from driving.

Automations to act in real time

The company also introduced Automations, a feature designed to trigger immediate actions in response to critical events detected in real time.

The intended uses include detecting excessive inactivity, alerting for regulatory compliance risks , and automatically activating communication with operators in response to signs of fatigue or mechanical failures.

According to Motive, the goal is to reduce risks and accelerate operational response without relying entirely on human intervention.

The firm also announced new capabilities for AI Vision, a computer vision solution focused on automating documentation and monitoring tasks in physical economy industries.

The tool allows for the automatic identification and recording of critical information in sectors such as infrastructure, construction, and waste collection.

In the case of the waste industry, Motive noted that AI Vision can automatically detect overflowing containers, validate services performed, and generate information for billing, reducing manual records and creating new revenue opportunities.

“Motive has completely transformed the way we protect our people and improve our business. By unifying real-time detection and instant execution capabilities, the platform helps us improve our safety, productivity, and profitability levels every day. We no longer just monitor risks; we stop them before it’s too late. Thanks to this level of automation and real-time intervention, the new capabilities represent a true revolution, helping us avoid collisions, eliminate hours of manual administrative work, and leverage the full potential of our operations,” said Donaji Alvarado, co-founder and CEO of Grupo ADET .

For his part, Adhish Luitel, director of Research at ABI Research , considered that the company’s differentiator lies in its technological integration.

“Motive doesn’t just use AI: it generates the proprietary data that powers it. By integrating hardware , unified data, and proprietary AI models, Motive goes beyond statistics and acts in real time like no other software platform . Thanks to this combination of hardware and efficient AI technology, it improves security and delivers a measurable ROI to its customers,” he emphasized.

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El cargo Motive is betting on automation and AI to transform physical operations apareció primero en T21.

Over the next five years, the supply chain will undergo various operational changes, making it necessary to have trained personnel to face this transformation, as well as tools, technologies, and collaboration between companies, according to industry specialists.

Mayra Velázquez, a specialist in Pricing and Land Transportation Project Development, explained that these changes, which will be observed around 2031 , will involve the automation of costs based on historical data. She also predicted that just-in-time delivery will disappear, some maritime routes will be suspended due to droughts, and there will be less logistics talent.

He also commented that globalization will no longer exist, but rather closed blocs, while artificial intelligence (AI) will be an essential part of the future; however, “we don’t know if it will have the resilience to give us newer data; our dependence on technology makes us vulnerable to this tool.”

During the webinar “Supply Chain of Tomorrow: Anticipating Trends Towards 2031” , he explained that collaboration strategies must also be applied.

“We need to make the supply chain more open, with everyone collaborating, trusting the carrier, creating a win-win situation for both parties to be more efficient in equipment and transportation rotation, resulting in higher profits, on-time delivery, and simpler management through everyone’s collaboration,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, Hugo Ibáñez, a specialist in TMS Solutions and Digital Transformation at Unigis , indicated that part of the advantages that the sector will have by 2031 will be a minimum standard, such as real-time visibility, integrations, optimization, among others.

“By that year, it will be assumed that the TMS will automatically optimize costs, service levels, capacities, times, and even carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and the use of advanced analytics will no longer be a competitive advantage. The advantage will be knowing how to use it to have more resilient networks, make better decisions, and respond more quickly to rapidly changing environments,” he explained.

He asserted that Mexican logistics ” always has to know how to adapt and move forward , even when the context is not ideal, as was the case with the pandemic,” and he also agreed on the need for more collaboration between companies.

Carlos Canseco, founder of PELT: Professionals in Logistics & Transportation , considered it important to be up-to-date on logistics issues , to have mastery of AI for making business decisions, but also in data analytics.

“Knowing what to do with that information, where we’re going to take it, and what results we’re going to get,” she emphasized. She also pointed out that it’s a priority to implement collaborative negotiation strategies to achieve a win-win outcome.

For his part, César García, Regional Sales Director at Uber Freight , stressed that sustainability is another issue that must be considered, so concrete actions must be implemented, such as the conversion to intermodal transport , in addition to working on predictability and human capital.

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El cargo They anticipate changes in the supply chain by 2031 apareció primero en T21.

Rising geopolitical tensions are testing the resilience and momentum shown by the global economy at the start of 2026, with a projected slowdown of 2.6% for this year. This is because rising energy prices, transport disruptions, market volatility, and the search for safe-haven financial assets will hinder investment and demand, warned the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) .

According to the report “Trade and Development Outlook 2026: The world economy faces a geopolitical challenge” , the United Nations agency noted that the world economy entered 2026 with resilience, supported by trade, industrial production in developing economies and investment linked to artificial intelligence (AI).

However, he warned that the global economy is moving from an initial phase of supply disruptions and inflation to a more fragile period , where prolonged uncertainty could trigger shortages and greater financial strain.

The analysis indicated that although recent years have been largely marked by trade tensions and political uncertainty, geopolitical risks are now becoming the main source of instability for the global economy.

In this context, developing economies are the most vulnerable , as they face rising fuel, food, and fertilizer prices, while also struggling with exchange rate pressures, tighter financing conditions, and lower investor confidence.

UNCTAD noted that much of the resilience observed in 2025 was due to the growing role of developing economies in trade. “Prolonged instability now threatens to undermine that momentum.”

The report noted that rising energy prices are driving up fertilizer prices and exacerbating food inflation in several developing economies.

“At the same time, volatility and tighter financing conditions are exposing the vulnerabilities of global food trading systems,” he stressed.

He warned that food security is no longer just about availability and prices. Increasingly, it is also a matter of financial stability, especially for governments already facing higher debt servicing costs.

Global merchandise trade remained relatively strong until early 2026, but much of the momentum was concentrated in AI-related products, such as semiconductors, servers, and data processing equipment . Outside of these sectors, trade growth remained much more cautious, particularly in traditional industries and commodity-related sectors.

UNCTAD predicted that global merchandise trade growth will slow from 4.7% in 2025 to between 1.5% and 2.5% in 2026 , as uncertainty and geopolitical tensions affect supply chains, shipping, and investment decisions.

Despite this environment, the organization urged ” strengthening international cooperation , achieving more predictable trade conditions, implementing greater financial safeguards for developing economies and accelerating investment in clean and affordable energy to stabilize growth and reduce vulnerability to future crises.”

The UNCTAD report comes amid tensions in the Middle East, which began on February 28.

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El cargo Geopolitical tensions threaten global trade growth: UNCTAD apareció primero en T21.

Digital transformation has moved beyond futuristic discussions to become an urgent necessity in logistics. Based on this premise, KLog held its first Logtech Day in Mexico , an event that brought together specialists, clients, startups , and supply chain leaders to discuss how technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and real-time visibility are redefining the movement of goods .

The event, celebrating its seventh edition and choosing Mexico as its new regional venue, brought together more than 350 attendees from countries including Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Mexico. The company presented its vision for the future of logistics, characterized by automation, digital financing, technological integration, and greater collaboration between humans and intelligent systems .

During the opening, Janan Knust, founder and CEO of KLog, highlighted that the logistics industry has ceased to be “the backyard” of businesses to become a strategic player within the global economy.

“It is beautiful to see so many people gathered from different areas with one purpose: to find in logistics an opportunity to shine,” he expressed to the attendees.

The executive acknowledged some initial nervousness about bringing the event to Mexico for the first time, but asserted that the industry’s response exceeded expectations. The meeting also served to reinforce Mexico’s position as one of the company’s priority markets for expansion in Latin America.

Through conferences, panels, and conversations with customers and specialists, KLog showed how logistics is going through a new stage in which digitalization is no longer a promise, but an operational standard.

The company highlighted advances such as the automation of thousands of operations, the expansion of financial services for logistics companies, the strengthening of traceability tools, and technological integration with different systems in the transport and foreign trade ecosystem.

For Gabriel Gurovich, CPO of KLog, the Logtech Day concept represents the future of the industry.

“The main thing we need to understand is that Logtech isn’t something KLog invented. Logtech is the future of this industry; it’s about making the supply chain user-friendly, something that gives you visibility and explains how to move cargo around the world,” he said.

The executive stated that the sector will experience accelerated changes in the next 18 to 24 months, driven by artificial intelligence tools, automation, and data analytics.

Visibility, AI and data: the new competitive differentiator

One of the central themes of Logtech Day was the need to evolve from reactive supply chains to predictive and connected models .

In various panels, participants from technology companies and users agreed that real-time visibility has ceased to be a ” nice to have ” and has become an operational requirement, especially after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and in anticipation of future events such as the 2026 World Cup.

Experts noted that many companies still face problems stemming from manual processes, excessive email, a lack of platform integration, and poor data quality. In contrast, companies that manage to centralize information and automate decisions will be able to react more quickly to delays, route changes, or operational contingencies.

The growing role of generative AI in business processes, customer service, document automation, and logistics decision-making was also addressed.

During one of the conversations, representatives of the technology ecosystem agreed that the real challenge will no longer be solely developing technology, but ensuring that companies know how to implement and take advantage of it correctly.

“There is a lot of technology available, but the difference will be in how capable we are of generating solutions that really help customers make better decisions,” it was mentioned during the event.

Technology with purpose

Beyond digitalization, the event also had a focus on organizational culture and business purpose.

KLog took advantage of the meeting to present “AFIRE” , a book that summarizes the company’s corporate culture based on five pillars: attitude, focus, discomfort, resilience and study .

During the presentation, Janan Knust asserted that business growth must be accompanied by a human and social purpose .

“Measuring success by how much we give and not by how much we have would completely change the way business is done,” he commented.

The conversation revolved around building purpose-driven companies, capable of combining technological innovation with human development and organizational culture.

Mexico, a strategic market for technological logistics

The Logtech Day event in Mexico comes at a key moment for the national logistics industry, marked by phenomena such as nearshoring , the growth of e-commerce, and the pressure to build more resilient and digitized supply chains.

At various points during the event, panelists highlighted that Mexico faces major challenges in infrastructure , congestion, and operational fragmentation, but also enormous opportunities to accelerate technological adoption.

“The future will belong to the companies that manage to connect all the scattered logistics information and turn it into smart decisions,” they said.

With this first edition in the country, KLog seeks to position Logtech Day as an annual space to promote conversations about innovation, automation and digital transformation within the Mexican and Latin American logistics ecosystem.

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

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Amid the review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) , trade uncertainty has become a determining factor for companies operating in the region; however, beyond the political and tariff debate, there is one element that is making a difference: the adoption of technology in supply chains.

According to James Barroso , director of Strategy and Artificial Intelligence at Infor , this new environment is pushing companies to accelerate their logistics maturity , particularly in Mexico, where nearshoring has increased the pressure on operations.

“Volatility is the biggest challenge. Changes in the USMCA, tariffs, and the global context force companies to constantly rethink their logistics strategy,” he explained in an interview.

In this scenario, supply chain planning is no longer limited to moving products, but involves anticipating complex scenarios: from changes in tariffs to decisions such as bringing forward imports or modifying production.

The logistical dilemma

One of the main challenges companies face is deciding whether to bring forward imports to avoid tariffs or accept higher costs. The answer, Barroso warns, is not so simple.

“The problem is that many companies lack visibility into the total logistics cost. Bringing inventory forward means more storage, more transportation, and more management. In many cases, it ends up being more expensive than paying the fee,” he noted.

This dilemma is especially critical in the north of the country, where the availability of storage space is practically saturated, which raises logistics costs.

In response to this, artificial intelligence has become a key tool for simulating scenarios, calculating impacts, and making more informed decisions in real time.

Although Mexico has historically faced a technological gap, the landscape has changed significantly.

“If we compare it to five years ago, Mexico is a different country. Supply chains, processes, and industry have evolved very rapidly,” he stated.

This transformation has been driven by three main factors : migration to the cloud, adoption of specialized supply chain solutions, and the increasing use of artificial intelligence.

For Barroso, the first step is that ” companies that are not in the cloud are already behind .”

The second level involves incorporating solutions that allow for more precise management of the supply chain, while the third is the use of AI to anticipate disruptions and optimize operations.

The end of the “late adopter”

In this new environment, waiting is no longer a viable option.

Unlike in the past, where companies could afford to adopt technology late, today so-called early adopters are capturing clear competitive advantages.

“Companies that adopt technology first are the ones securing their market share. Those that wait end up reacting late and at a higher cost,” he warned.

Another structural change being driven by the review of the USMCA and regulations in Mexico is the requirement for greater traceability.

Sectors such as food and beverages have had to completely transform their processes to ensure the traceability of products from their origin to the final consumer.

“Traceability is no longer just about barcodes. It involves having all the data connected throughout the chain, with batch control, processes, and regulatory compliance,” he explained.

At this point, technology plays a dual role: it not only allows compliance with regulations, but also improves operational efficiency.

In this sense, beyond being a manufacturing destination, Mexico is also consolidating itself as a strategic technology center for the region.

Barroso highlighted that the country has become a hub for talent and technological services that even serves markets such as the United States and Europe.

“Growth has been very strong. Mexico is not only receiving investment, it is also exporting knowledge and technological capabilities,” he noted.

Regarding the direction of the USMCA, Barroso believes the process is moving forward, albeit with uncertainty. However, he emphasizes that companies cannot depend solely on government decisions.

“Waiting for everything to be defined is not a strategy. Companies must focus on where they can grow, on their capabilities, and on building resilience,” he stated.

In that sense, the combination of investment, technological adoption and business vision will be key for Mexico to capitalize on the nearshoring opportunity .

“The country’s growth potential is enormous. But taking advantage of it will depend on how quickly companies can adapt to this new environment,” he said.

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

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