Robinson Fresh, CH Robinson ‘s fresh supply chain solutions division , opened its new logistics center in South Texas, significantly expanding its cross-border capabilities between Mexico and the United States.

José Rossignoli, president of Robinson Fresh, mentioned that cross-border supply chains currently demand speed, accuracy and a strict focus on the needs of each customer.

“This South Texas facility brings those capabilities together in one location, helping customers reduce lead times, control costs, and get products to market faster. It’s another example of how we’re offering carriers an integrated package of scale, technology, expertise, and customized solutions,” he said.

He indicated that 98% of all fresh produce imported from Mexico enters the United States through Texas , New Mexico, Arizona, or California. Of that total, 55% passes through Texas, making this logistics infrastructure increasingly critical for retailers and hospitality businesses focused on speed, freshness, and reliability.

The new logistics center is located in the town of Pharr, in the Rio Grande Valley, situated near the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge, the most important border crossing between these countries for perishable products, as well as the Anzalduas International Bridge and others, it has easy access to Federal Highway 281, McAllen International Airport, the railroad and the ports of Brownsville and Matamoros (Mexico).

The newly constructed building features 69 loading docks, multiple temperature zones, and value-added services, and is certified to Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards and USDA organic requirements. Directly integrated into CH Robinson’s comprehensive logistics platform and the nation’s largest temperature-controlled network, it is specifically designed to support fresh produce supply chains.

Furthermore, it allows for faster customs clearance and reduced stay times at the border, has immediate refrigeration, maturation, quality control and repackaging capabilities, as well as optimized consolidation and cross-dock operations .

“The more we can inspect, cool, repackage, and label products immediately at the border, the more we expand our ability to protect product quality from the moment it enters the United States, while also giving carriers more flexibility over how and when inventory arrives at its destination,” said Todd Bernitt, the firm’s vice president of Managed Solutions.

From South Texas, customers can efficiently reach major consumer markets across the country:

• Midwest and South: in one to three days.
• East Coast: in three or four days.
• West Coast: When the market demands it.

He indicated that by shortening transit times and improving network optionality, the facility helps customers improve fill rates, on-time performance, and inventory freshness.

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In this regard, Francisco Bravo, senior director of supply chain at Audi Mexico, highlighted that logistics for automotive companies faces challenges in efficiency and sustainability and in the synchronization of inventories to respond to fluctuating demands.

“Reducing inventory levels to be more efficient in terms of costs and CO2 emissions involves continuously adjusting processes. This requires coordinated planning with central agencies and suppliers,” Bravo explained.

For his part, Mauro Rodrigo González, president and commercial director of Ascent Global Logistics, stressed the importance of technology and real-time communication to handle unforeseen events.

“Data analytics not only allows us to react, but also to anticipate potential blockages in the supply chain,” said González.

He also stressed the need to invest in infrastructure, regulation and education in Mexico to take full advantage of nearshoring, a phenomenon that, according to him, will not stop in the country, but will also boost Central and South America.

Meanwhile, Luca Winters, director of operations for CH Robinson ‘s southern border , added during the panel “Mastering Mexico’s Supply Chain Unpredictability” that the availability of data is crucial to identifying weak points in supply chains.

He shared a recent example: “A few months ago, strong winds closed the Mexican customs office for 48 hours, creating a domino effect on operations.”

In the face of these types of events, he highlighted flexibility as a key component , especially at strategic points such as Laredo, which has multiple border crossings.

In addition, the panelists agreed that Mexico faces significant structural challenges.

Gonzalez said that “the lack of trained drivers and safety in operations are critical issues that require innovative solutions.”

Bravo stressed the role of early warning systems and historical data analysis to redesign routes and minimize risks.

Another relevant point was the collaboration between the public and private sectors. In this regard, González called for coordinating efforts to develop adequate infrastructure and human capabilities that respond to the demands of the global market.

“The potential exists, but we need to channel it through a joint strategy,” González insisted.

The use of artificial intelligence , machine learning and automated systems was identified as an indispensable trend. According to González, these tools are still in their initial stages, but they offer a wide scope for improving both operations and communication with customers and suppliers.

Winters added that by integrating data from multiple sources, it is possible to develop customized solutions that anticipate problems before they arise.

Looking ahead, panelists emphasized that nearshoring represents a unique opportunity for Mexico, but will only be sustainable if the country’s logistics capabilities are strengthened.

“We need to ensure that we have the right talent, infrastructure and technology,” Winters said.

González added that, although progress has been significant, collaboration between all actors in the supply chain will be crucial to addressing market volatility.

The specialists participated in the 10th edition of Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico .

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The strike at major ports on the US East Coast, following a stalemate in negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) , threatens to cause chaos in global supply chains , adding to the tensions that are constantly being experienced around the world.

In this regard, CH Robinson highlighted in a statement the domino effect on global trade caused by this cause, since the interconnected nature of global trade means that any disruption in US ports can have global repercussions.

In this regard, CH Robinson said that the strike is already creating bottlenecks at key cargo transit points , which could lead to significant delays, as a one-week port disruption has caused delays of up to a month in international shipments.

Shippers globally with cargo destined for this region from Europe, Latin America, Oceania and Asia are feeling the effects, resulting in disruptions in the flow of goods to and from the United States, Canada and Mexico , and must consider how port closures would affect their cargo.

As seen with other global supply chain disruptions, this cascade would result in additional transit time , additional costs and even potential storage and demurrage charges, the logistics company said.

“The strike could affect five of the ten busiest ports in North America, creating a cascading impact that no sector or region could avoid. Companies with cargo destined for the United States from Europe, Latin America, Oceania and Asia are likely to face delays and increased costs. It is crucial that they communicate with their logistics providers to plan alternative or contingency routes,” warned Mia Ginter, Director of Maritime Export for North America at CH Robinson.

Impact on ports and Mexico’s economy

Mexico and the United States maintain a high-volume, constantly active trade relationship, so any disruption at U.S. ports could impact the flow of goods through other routes such as Laredo and El Paso , important transit points for land trade between the two countries.

Due to its strategic geographic location, Mexico relies heavily on U.S. ports for the import and export of goods, so the strike threatens to cause delays in the arrival of essential inputs and raw materials for the Mexican manufacturing industry, affecting key sectors such as the automotive, electronics and household appliance sectors , among others.

With congestion at U.S. ports, Mexican companies could face additional costs due to route diversions or the need to resort to more expensive transportation methods, such as air.

Mexican exporters could also be affected by the strike, as delays at U.S. ports could prevent Mexican products from reaching their overseas destinations on time, affecting the competitiveness of domestic exports or overwhelming domestic options due to diversions.

CH Robinson shared that while no industry is immune to the disruptions caused by this strike, some will be more affected than others, for example, industries that operate on very tight inventory models, such as the automotive or pharmaceutical industries, even two days of a strike could significantly disrupt their operations, which directly affects the operation of these industries in the country.

In this context, CH Robinson has implemented flexible contingency plans in the event of a prolonged strike, so if a large volume of cargo is diverted to the US West Coast, Mexican and Canadian ports could serve as a viable alternative, along with options such as air freight and port transshipment to expedite the movement of critical goods.

On the other hand, CH Robinson indicated that carriers that choose to redirect their cargoes to the West Coast will have to consider the available capacity and the necessary ground logistics support; in addition, temporary storage for the diverted cargo may be required while capacity is freed up in the interior of the country.

The company also expects that rail congestion to the east could also cause delays, as although railroads are prepared to move freight from Southern California and the Pacific Northwest , longer transit times are expected.

Although air freight is more expensive than other options, it allows for quick rerouting. However, air capacity is already limited by high e-commerce demand from Asia and Red Sea detours.

Ports and alternative modes of transport could quickly become overwhelmed in the event of a prolonged strike at ILA ports, so close cooperation between trading partners and global logistics providers will be crucial to mitigate the impact of this crisis on transatlantic trade.

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