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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sea Bridge Technological Innovation .

KLN Mexico Sustainability .

WePort Corporate Social Responsibility .

KLN Mexico Compliance and Security .

Customer Service
Tie
XPD Global and Racing Cargo .

In the Special Awards Category, the winners were:

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

Growth in Shipments
Category Medium-Sized Companies
Universal Cargo .

Growth in Shipments –
Emerging Companies Category
– TEMPO Transport .

Commercial Expansion
Mexproud Shipping .

Maritime Leader
HAF Logistics .

Air Leader
RH Shipping.

Land Leader
Mexproud Shipping.

Universal Financial Growth
Cargo.

Professionalization and Modernization
Scan Global Logistics .

KLN Mexico, a leader in technology .

XPD Global Certification

BSM Forwarding Commercial Diversification .

Growth in Operational Capabilities
RH Shipping.

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

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

While goods travel along increasingly congested and dangerous highways, cargo insurance is still progressing slowly in the country. Although Mexico is considered one of the most important markets for cargo insurance in Latin America, only 4% of goods transported by road are insured , according to Esaú Mendoza Hernández, Business Development Director at Keeper Cargo Insurance .

Mendoza Hernández commented that the problem lies not only in the theft of goods, but in the entire ecosystem of risks surrounding freight transport in Mexico.

Speaking from Guadalajara, he warned that states like Jalisco and Guanajuato have climbed the ranks among the hotspots for cargo theft. Jalisco moved from seventh to fifth place nationally, while Guanajuato now ranks third.

Added to this is the operational pressure derived from infrastructure works , port saturation and traffic in strategic corridors for the movement of goods.

This situation, he explained, not only impacts logistical times, but also increases the exposure of the units to theft and raises the physical strain on the operators.

According to the specialist, one of the most concerning phenomena today is armed robberies in storage yards where sensitive merchandise, such as electronics or clothing, is kept while awaiting transfer or shipment. But the risk doesn’t end there. Mexico ranks seventh in the world for traffic accidents, and approximately 30% to 35% of those accidents are related to freight transport, explained Mendoza Hernández. Furthermore, roughly 85% of accidents are attributable to factors related to the operation of the vehicles.

He indicated that the problem is structural : operators subjected to long lines at ports, hours stopped in traffic, operational delays and extended workdays end up increasing the probability of accidents and incidents.

The legal loophole that leaves cargo unprotected

Beyond the insecurity, the sector faces the challenge of a lack of insurance culture .

Mendoza explained that, under Mexican law, if the cargo value was not correctly declared on the Bill of Lading or transport contract, the carrier’s liability can be limited to as little as 15 UMAs per ton transported. This means that a company that loses merchandise valued at thousands of dollars could receive minimal compensation .

Given this scenario, he asserted that the main challenge for the insurance sector remains promoting a culture of prevention and financial protection , particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

He explained that SMEs often consider cargo insurance to be expensive. However, he indicated that the average cost of cargo insurance currently represents less than 1% of the value of the transported goods.

“The problem is not just theft; it’s that a disaster can completely bankrupt a small business,” he stressed.

Mexico under the international microscope

The perception of risk regarding Mexico is already beginning to impact even international insurance policies.

According to Esaú Mendoza, some global insurers have begun to impose higher deductibles or specific limits when goods transit through Mexican territory, due to the levels of theft and accidents.

In some cases, he said, international companies require carriers and freight forwarders to assume direct responsibility for thefts and damages occurring in Mexico as a condition of working with them.

Currently, Mexico faces a shortage of approximately 99,000 freight operators, while the country registers around 150 million journeys per year between local, national and international operations, according to estimates shared by the specialist.

Despite the size of the market, he asserted that there is still a huge gap in assurance and prevention within the logistics chain.

Mendoza Hernández also pointed out that, although there are around 15,000 registered insurance agents in Mexico, only a very small group actually specializes in cargo and logistics risk insurance.

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El cargo Only 4% of cargo in Mexico is insured: Keeper Cargo Insurance apareció primero en T21.

In international trade, freight forwarders develop logistics engineering by coordinating and optimizing the transfer of goods between different modes of transport , ensuring that shipments arrive at their destinations on time, in accordance with applicable regulations and with the efficiency necessary to minimize operating costs.

“It is the entity that coordinates, manages and executes the operations of different modes of transport between the shipper and the consignee,” highlighted Juan Pablo Pacheco, general manager of HAF Logística Internacional , a company specializing in freight forwarding.

In an interview with T21, he explained that logistics engineering involves finding the best route, airline, ship, or container to use and selecting the appropriate unit for transporting the merchandise.

He explained that within the supply chain, freight forwarders participate when the product or merchandise is transported from its place of manufacture to the consumer, which involves its transfer by sea, air or land.

Similarly, they verify that the merchandise complies with the certifications , licenses, labeling, among other information of the destination country; in addition to providing support in the import for customs clearance at origin and review of documents.

They also implement technologies such as RFID , barcodes, and blockchain to track and monitor merchandise in real time, reducing errors and losses. They use data analytics to identify patterns and trends in the supply chain, allowing them to anticipate and mitigate potential risks.

In addition, the freight forwarder creates risk profiles for various types of product, routes, and modes of transport, which facilitates informed decision-making and the implementation of specific security measures.

In addition, it works closely with carriers , warehouses, customs authorities and other supply chain actors to share information and coordinate actions to minimize risks.

Another of its functions is to inform customers about the status of their goods and any incidents that may affect delivery, as well as to implement document management systems to maintain accurate and accessible records of all operations, including customs documentation, certificates of origin and other relevant documents.

Also, ensure that all documentation complies with current legal and regulatory requirements , which reduces the risk of penalties and delays in the supply chain.

Juan Pablo Pacheco explained that they implement safety criteria to ensure the product arrives safely at its destination and is not contaminated during transit.

Currently, there are around three thousand freight forwarders in the country , a number higher than needed, although not all of them have a security or quality certification in the supply chain, a digital platform or cost analysis.

Despite their vital participation and relevance in logistics chains, freight forwarders face challenges stemming from a lack of regulation, which is why they continue to work on the initiative to reform the Commercial Code with the aim of incorporating this figure into current federal commercial legislation.

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El cargo Freight forwarders, international trade logistics engineers apareció primero en T21.

A decade after its founding, Geneseas Logistics has established itself as a freight forwarder that has successfully evolved in an increasingly complex logistics environment, focusing on specialization, technology and, above all, human capital.

Founded in 2016 by Miguel Gil , the company was born with a clear focus on maritime transport, particularly containerized cargo (FCL) , leveraging its founder’s previous experience in the Asia-Mexico market and the network of contacts built throughout his career in the industry.

“We started with a strong focus on maritime shipping, with an aggressive strategy in FCL and solid relationships with shipping lines and agents. That foundation was key to building what we are today,” Gil explained.

While its operations were initially concentrated in Asia, the company has expanded its reach to Europe, the United States, and Latin America , diversifying its routes, services, and markets. Today, it not only manages imports and exports to and from Mexico, but also operates international shipments that do not necessarily pass through Mexican territory.

This growth has been made possible by its integration into global networks of agents, which allow it to offer international coverage with reliable partners.

In parallel, digitalization has been a key driver of its evolution. The company operates with robust platforms such as CargoWise and CargoFive, which allow it to integrate operational, administrative, and commercial functions, as well as offer real-time visibility to its customers.

These tools facilitate everything from tariff management to shipment tracking, optimizing response times in an environment where immediacy has become a competitive advantage.

The company’s tenth anniversary coincides with one of the most challenging periods for the logistics industry. Regulatory changes, geopolitical tensions, and new demands in foreign trade have increased the level of complexity for importers and operators.

Among these challenges are the modifications in customs regulations , the tightening of controls and figures such as the value manifest, which have directly impacted the operation.

“These have been complicated years. There are many factors beyond the importer’s control that end up affecting the entire chain, including freight forwarders and shipping companies,” Gil noted.

Given this scenario, the company has strengthened its customer and supplier selection processes, prioritizing formal operations and reducing risks associated with non-compliance or irregular practices.

Beyond technology or infrastructure , the executive stressed that the real differentiator has been the team.

“Human capital is the most important thing and also the most difficult to build. Having skilled, committed people with a good attitude is the foundation of everything,” he stated.

The company has opted for flexible work arrangements, close relationships with employees, and an organizational culture focused on well-being, seeking to position itself as an attractive company in a sector where talent is increasingly scarce.

Personalized service and quick response

In operational terms, Geneseas Logistics has built its value proposition on two pillars: personalization and speed .

Each client has a single point of contact that provides comprehensive tracking of their operations, regardless of the mode of transport. This is complemented by a strategy based on multiple logistics options per shipment, enabling a rapid response to changes or unforeseen events.

“We always try to have several alternatives: shipping companies, routes, insurance. That gives us flexibility and responsiveness,” Gil explained.

With approximately eight thousand shipments annually, the company projects ambitious growth over the next 10 years , aiming to double its operating volume, expand its service portfolio, and integrate new technologies, including artificial intelligence.

In addition, it will seek to strengthen segments such as air cargo, land cargo, special projects (break bulk and Ro-Ro), maintaining its leadership in maritime, but with a more diversified offering.

“We want to continue growing, diversifying and maintaining our essence: solid relationships with collaborators, clients and suppliers,” he emphasized.

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El cargo Geneseas Logistics: 10 years navigating the complexity of global trade apareció primero en T21.

Freight forwarding in Mexico is undergoing a quiet adjustment phase that contrasts sharply with the visible volatility of recent years. Far from the extraordinary peaks brought on by the pandemic, the market appears to have entered a stage where oversupply of capacity, weak consumption, and regulatory pressure are beginning to shape a more complex and less profitable environment for logistics intermediaries.

The clearest evidence lies in the industry’s performance during 2025. It was not a good year. The contraction in volumes and the pressure on margins affected even the most established players, in a context where supply growth—particularly in maritime transport—exceeded demand’s absorption capacity. “There was a slowdown; we saw a contraction at the industry level,” acknowledges Nicolás Portenza, CEO of Eternity Group Mexico , in an interview, describing a market that has yet to regain traction.

The problem is not temporary. The supply and demand equation has become unbalanced at a time when economies, especially in Latin America, are showing signs of weakness. The result is constant pressure on ocean freight rates , which continue to deteriorate, although without reaching critical levels. Shipping companies, more disciplined than in previous cycles, have managed to contain sharp declines through operational strategies, but the market remains far from a solid recovery.

In that adverse context, not all players performed equally. Eternity Group Mexico managed to weather the general market downturn and even close the year with positive numbers. “Having surpassed the previous year’s (2024) volumes was good, and we took great care of profitability,” Portenza points out, in an analysis that reveals a strategy more focused on operational discipline than aggressive expansion.

The outlook for 2026 is not particularly encouraging . Long-term contracts anticipate rates below those negotiated the previous year, while the spot market remains volatile, making planning difficult.

In this context, freight forwarders face a structural dilemma: compete on price or build value . The first option, while tempting in a depressed market, tends to erode margins in an industry where operating costs are increasingly difficult to absorb. The second, on the other hand, requires investment, sophistication, and a business narrative that the customer is willing to pay for.

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El cargo Logistics under pressure: the new game of forwarding apareció primero en T21.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Intex Forwarding , a Mexican company specializing in international transportation and logistics, opened its new office next to Mexico City International Airport (AICM) . This office responds to the need to streamline its air operations, considered one of the company’s pillars.

“In logistics, there are always unforeseen events, delays, cargo handling issues, and customs complications. Our job is to resolve them quickly and with excellence. Being close to the airport allows us to react immediately and serve our customers closely,” explained Miguel Ángel Hernández, CEO and co-founder of Intex Forwarding.

Intex’s story began in 2021, in the midst of the pandemic. Hernández and his partner Pedro Mendoza, the company’s CFO, decided to start the business after years of experience at other companies where, they say, operational rigidity and bureaucracy limited customer service .

“We started with no resources, just hard work and industry knowledge. Our focus was on flexibility and total commitment to our clients. That made the difference,” Hernández recalled.

In less than five years, the company has managed to position itself in highly demanding industries such as pharmaceuticals, automotive, and retail .

One of Intex Forwarding’s recent milestones has been the consolidation of its relationship with the automotive industry, with clients such as Nissan , with whom it has been working for over a year, and recently won a key tender for last-mile management at the AICM.

This achievement reinforces the importance of maintaining its headquarters close to the airport, where they have trained personnel to enter the terminals, check guides, and immediately respond to any eventuality.

“What we’re looking for is efficiency: solving problems quickly and well,” the executive emphasized.

In addition, the company already has an office in Panama and is working on opening operations in Guatemala , consolidating its presence in Latin America.

Intex Forwarding currently offers solutions in air, sea and land transport , with import and export operations.

• Air cargo: with a special focus on exports to Europe and Asia, as well as import and last-mile services at airports such as Mexico City, Toluca, Aguascalientes, and Santa Lucía.
• Ocean freight: full load (FCL) and consolidated load (LCL) services, with notable routes from Italy, Germany, and Spain.
• Ground freight: operations to Central America, the United States, and Canada, as well as last-mile solutions.

Relationships of trust, the differentiator

Beyond its service portfolio, Intex Forwarding has built its reputation on trust and closeness.

“We don’t seek transactional relationships, but rather long-term ones. Even in difficult times, we stand up and work with the client to find a solution. That sets us apart from large corporations,” emphasized Pedro Mendoza.

The executive also emphasized the company’s humane approach to its employees. The choice of the new headquarters, close to the AICM and away from corporate areas, is intended to avoid exhausting commutes and promote a better work-life balance.

With five years of operations and clients in strategic sectors, Intex Forwarding is preparing for a new phase of growth. Its goal is to consolidate its network in Mexico, Central America, and South America, while strengthening its global alliances to offer competitive and reliable logistics solutions.

“We know we’re not a multinational company with offices all over the world, but we believe in a different model: proximity, flexibility, and results. That’s been our formula from the beginning, and it’s what will continue to guide us,” said Miguel Ángel Hernández, a member of the 21 T21 Youth in 2024.

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El cargo Intex Forwarding strengthens its presence in Mexico with a new office near the AICM apareció primero en T21.

The 2026 World Cup, the soccer celebration hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, will bring thousands of fans to different cities and stadiums, but just as many will watch on official television channels. This is where freight forwarders, not on the field, will play a key role in ensuring the broadcast of each match .

Juan Pablo Pacheco, general manager of HAF Logística Internacional , explains that the work begins with a transport analysis, whether by sea or air, or a combination of both, or by rail and road transport.

“We’re working with two Mexican television stations to export broadcast equipment to the United States. There are two containers for each station. We’re responsible for transporting all the machinery and equipment from their facilities to the International Broadcasting Center (IBC), which is where the broadcast is conducted and is authorized by FIFA,” he says.

He also mentioned that he will be moving television equipment from Germany, Italy, and possibly Japan . All of these will use the ATA Carnet, an international customs document that facilitates the temporary export and import of goods in 78 countries.

“Canaco is the one that issues them in Mexico, and they’re going to start a stronger campaign so that authorities see the benefits of this, because it will be the only way for products that will be temporarily entering an event. We already have experience with Formula 1 and NASCAR. Authorities are more reluctant to use the ATA Carnet because they don’t know how, they’re not trained. Customs personnel need to be trained so that it truly becomes a tool that facilitates the entry of goods,” he explains.

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El cargo The “World Cup” of freight forwarders apareció primero en T21.

Eva María Muñoz, president of the Mexican Association of Freight Forwarders (Amacarga) , said that although the confrontation has ended, they remain on alert in the face of an uncertain scenario.

Therefore, they are analyzing route redesigns and also changes to contracts governing international trade operations , incorporating more robust geopolitical risk clauses.

“We expect a gradual normalization of international trade activities following the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, but some strategic and sensitive sectors in the global market remain uncertain due to a possible resumption of hostilities,” Muñoz said.

He explained that during the armed conflict, the availability of regular freight transportation spaces between Asia and Europe was affected , resulting in delays in deliveries in sectors such as the automotive, agri-food, and electronics industries.

Among the negative effects of the short period of the confrontation, Eva María Muñoz commented that there were increases in marine insurance premiums, which were added to the increase in transportation costs that had been dragging on for several weeks due to the shortage of containers generated by the United States due to an overdemand for Chinese products.

In this regard, Muñoz commented that among the alternatives implemented in recent days, some operators opted for intermodal and emergency ground solutions , which entailed higher logistics costs.

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El cargo Amacarga analyzes options in response to trade impacts from the Israel-Iran conflict. apareció primero en T21.

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has estimated slight growth in cargo throughput  by 2025 , driven by policies promoted by the U.S. government.

Milton de la Paz, vice president of Airline Relations and Cargo Business Development at DFW Airport, projected that they won’t see an “aggressive increase,” as they expect growth to be between 2% and 3% compared to 2024 .

“At the start of the fiscal year, which began in October of last year and started very strongly, we were handling quite a bit of e-commerce, particularly from China, and we were up 30% from last year, but with the government’s announcements, and before they took effect, we saw quite a bit of cargo coming in before the date, and then it dropped significantly,” he indicated.

In an interview with T21 , he said they are working with several freight forwarders to increase their capacity in this area , and that they are already seeing a recovery in the movement of goods.

He noted that among them are Mexican companies seeking to increase the transportation of perishable goods not only in the Texas area, but also to Asia, although the increase is also due to the construction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) centers in that state.

“North Texas is number two in the country for AI centers, and they’re building several; we’re receiving a lot of equipment and machinery to support these facilities, and that’s having a very strong impact. It’s high-value cargo that isn’t transported by ship or land, but rather by air because it’s safer, and that’s been a great help to us,” he said.

However, he reiterated that the expected growth for the end of fiscal year 2025 will be between 2% and 3% year-on-year, which, he indicated, will be a “good achievement.”

De la Paz said that as part of the cargo recovery, DFW is seeing more charter flights from Asia , carrying products like chips and pharmaceuticals.

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El cargo DFW forecasts slight growth in cargo by 2025 apareció primero en T21.