Deacero Logistics began to redraw its transportation strategy in North America with a more aggressive bet on intermodal , a segment in which it seeks to migrate part of the cargo it currently moves by truck to rail, with the aim of gaining operational efficiency, reducing costs and cushioning the impact that steel tariffs have had on the profitability of the industry.

The company plans to expand its intermodal routes in Mexico, the United States, and Canada during 2026 , following a strategy that combines logistical optimization with commercial expansion. For Deacero, the U.S. market represents a strategic priority, not only because of its potential volume but also because of the need to maintain margins in a more restrictive business environment.

“We need to capitalize on the United States; it’s a very important market for us. The steel industry has been greatly affected by tariffs, and finding lower-cost transportation routes allows us to remain profitable in different markets,” says Arturo Rodríguez, Deputy Director of Global Transportation and Logistics at Deacero and Deacero Logistics, in an interview with T21.

In that growth map, Chicago appears as one of the most attractive routes for the company , although Canada is emerging as an even more strategic market. The absence of tariffs and the possibility of moving larger volumes per container, compared to the restrictions on trucking, place cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City on the company’s intermodal roadmap.

“Canada is a very attractive market for us because there are no tariffs, we have greater market penetration, and we ship higher volumes; it’s an extremely important route. Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, and Chicago are potential routes. We are registered as IMCs (consolidators) with Ferromex and Union Pacific, and we are in talks with BNSF and CPKC,” he says.

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El cargo Deacero changes course 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.

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

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

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

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

BNSF Railway  is strengthening its commitment to Mexico in an environment where North American logistics are becoming increasingly integrated. Through the expansion of intermodal services , the development of temperature-controlled supply chain solutions, and a strategic assessment of the opportunities offered by the Mexican market, the U.S. railroad is outlining a strategy that combines operational growth, innovation, and efficiency to offer more reliable and lower-cost transportation options to customers operating in cross-border corridors. 

The company maintains its focus on a seamless cross-border supply chain for goods moving between Mexico, the United States, and Canada. “There has been steady growth in the movement of goods between Mexico and the United States, and we view this trend positively. From our perspective, anything that supports the consistency and expansion of these flows is beneficial ,” says Paul Hirsch, Assistant Vice President of BNSF’s Mexico Business Unit, in an interview. For customers, this consistency translates directly into more predictable transit times, better inventory control, and greater service reliability. 

In this context, the railway is driving solutions and innovations designed to minimize costs , simplify processes, and offer greater flexibility to shippers moving cargo along cross-border corridors, while also providing an excellent solution for reducing carbon footprints. One of the most significant opportunities identified by the company is the development of the intermodal corridor to Alliance, Texas, which connects Mexico with key U.S. markets as a more efficient, scalable, and cost-effective alternative to the traditional crossing through Laredo. 

“At BNSF, we see that customers can benefit from using Alliance, Texas, as an alternative to Laredo, with faster transit times, lower costs, and a simplified supply chain. This approach streamlines cross-border movements and reduces exposure to border complexity and congestion. For example, import shipments from Mexico typically use two trucks: one to Laredo and another from Laredo to the final destination, which increases costs and complexity. By leveraging intermodal service from Mexico, customers can avoid this situation, access ample rail capacity available throughout the corridor, reduce overall logistics costs, and improve shipment consistency,” explains Hirsch.

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El cargo BNSF doubles down on its commitment to Mexico with new intermodal and logistics services apareció primero en T21.

Grupo Directo Express announced that as part of its expansion plans for this year, it will focus on expanding its services in the port of Lázaro Cárdenas , as well as reaching Manzanillo, and also venturing into intermodal transport.

“This year, the goal is the diversification process to integrate ourselves into the intermodal industry. We are going to manage 100 units, and we will do so in both containerized cargo and the steel industry,” said Iago Cano, Commercial & Business Strategy Manager for the company.

In an interview following the monthly meeting of the Mexican Intermodal Transport Association (AMTI) , he specified that in the coming days they will receive 2 of 20 full-size container units, in addition to offering competitive rates.

However, he said they see challenges in intermodal transport, including the efficiency of routes and carrying out services with full containers.

“The goal here is to avoid returning empty, and we have to find a way to do it. We are experts in dedicated intermodal unit service, and we believe that will lead us to that, precisely because of the return of empty containers, and we aim to be very competitive in our rates under this dedicated service model,” he explained.

He mentioned that they would be looking to develop various intermodal routes, although being in the port of Lázaro Cárdenas would be the first to begin with coverage in the center, Bajío, north, “the objective is to look for those that allow us to have the equipment going back and forth, we can develop the destination.”

Therefore, he anticipated that they will begin the intermodal service in 2026 , and will also seek closer ties with the railways.

Manzanillo and Veracruz, ports in the sights of Directo Express

Cano recalled that three years ago, they ventured into Lázaro Cárdenas through the transportation of finished vehicles with their car carrier division, which has experienced constant growth with its two yards located near this port.

“We handle the entire operation, not only of finished vehicles but also of steel coils, and we currently have a distribution yard. We are aiming to have the construction of another yard, fully equipped for its operation, completed by the end of this year. We don’t currently have storage yards for containerized cargo, but we haven’t ruled it out,” he stated.

He added that Grupo Directo Express is also interested in reaching the ports of Veracruz and Manzanillo , with the latter being the next destination before the end of 2026, offering the same services they currently provide in Lázaro Cárdenas.

He stated that although challenges exist, 2026 is a year of consolidation for the company, and they will continue renewing their fleet, with an increase of approximately 20% per year in Mexico. Grupo Directo Express currently has 1,200 tractors and 1,200 trailers.

Currently, the firm makes approximately 240 daily shipments from Nuevo Laredo, and distribution to different points in the country, as well as yards in Salinas Victoria, San Luis Potosí, Silao, Aguascalientes, Toluca, among others.

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El cargo Grupo Directo Express is committed to intermodal apareció primero en T21.

Faced with the challenges of intermodal and multimodal transport in Mexico, the National Association of Private Transport (ANTP) proposed the implementation of a checklist , the definition of clear management and risk criteria, and compliance with these processes to guarantee better operations.

In addition, ensuring end-to-end visibility and operational control , standardizing pre-contract authorization, and establishing performance indicators, among other factors.

Francisco Kim, vice president of the Multimodal Sector of the ANTP, said that these criteria must be applied prior to contracting to prevent failure, payment of penalties, impacts on the level of service, and to improve risk control.

“ The multimodal and intermodal experience can be improved with planning ; this is the foundation for its success and is the approach we see at ANTP: service design prior to any movement. The checklist contains the entire service design and verifies that we are complying with all the specifications or procedures for a successful shipment,” he stated.

During her participation in the panel Operational Architecture and Service Design in Multimodal Environments , within the framework of The Logistics World Summit & Expo, she specified that among the challenges of the sector is the coupling between the user and the logistics operator , development of infrastructure – such as corridors, ramps and transshipment terminals – in addition to the capitalization of the reduction of polluting emissions.

Also, proper management of the CFDI (Digital Tax Receipt via Internet) and Waybill, visibility of the TMS operation (transport management), definition of maximum weights, distribution of the load within the container, actions to prevent cargo theft, professionalization of participants in logistics management, optimization of customs management, among others.

He reiterated that multimodal transport is one of the modes of transport that will give Mexico options at a time of evolution .

“The trade balance is very balanced and we are very positive with the United States; it is the moment for the country to take advantage of the opportunity,” he stressed.

In January 2026 alone, the value of bilateral trade between Mexico and the United States reached $74.105 billion , an increase of 6.5% compared to the same month in 2025, according to data from the  US Census Bureau .

Francisco Kim emphasized that establishing management and risk criteria will help ensure compliance with operations, but it will need to be approved by the logistics management.

“Every time a supply chain or a multimodal corridor is redesigned, the checklist must be done first . Multimodal transport is widely used in the United States, and here in Mexico we are just getting started. Sometimes things happen despite the planning, and we have to incorporate those protocols,” he emphasized.

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El cargo ANTP proposes criteria to improve operations in intermodal and multimodal transport apareció primero en T21.

Rail freight movement between Mexico and the United States ended 2025 with a 5.5% year-over-year decline , the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported

According to the agency’s statistics, the accumulated volume in Mexican railways during the past year was 1,235,581 wagons, containers and intermodal trailers.

He specified that, with the exception of intermodal transport and the movement of vehicles and parts , which had increases of 0.04% and 2.8%, respectively, the other sectors showed decreases.

Regarding Canadian railways, the AAR specified that the cumulative volume of rail traffic in 2025 was 8,387,041 wagons, containers and trailers, an increase of 2% compared to 2024 .

Under this scenario, North American rail traffic for 2025 was 35 million 187 thousand 052 railcars and intermodal units, a year-on-year increase of 1.4%.

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El cargo Rail freight between Mexico and the US, “on the back burner” in 2025 apareció primero en T21.

Union Pacific (UP) will track its domestic 53-foot container fleet , as well as those owned with other rail companies, through a new GPS-powered platform developed by Blume Global , seeking greater real-time visibility in intermodal transport.

Kenny Rocker, UP’s executive vice president of Marketing and Sales, emphasized that this is another significant step in providing the best possible customer experience.

“By combining GPS-enabled containers with real-time data and smarter visibility tools, we deliver the transparency and reliability our customers depend on,” he emphasized.

He highlighted that among the main benefits for customers are real-time notifications for critical deliveries , instant alerts for loading/empty status and location tracking, reducing street dwell time (the period of time a container is off the ramp in the customer’s possession, whether loaded or empty).

Also included are simplified communication, resulting in fewer phone calls and manual updates, Application Programming Interface (API) connectivity for complete data integration, and more.

“These tools help customers resolve issues faster, plan more effectively, and reduce manual tracking, enabling an improved and reliable shipping experience,” Rocker emphasized.

Developed in collaboration with Blume Global, part of CargoWise Landside , the initiative brings real-time location data , smarter alerts and geofencing capabilities to one of the largest railroad-owned container fleets in North America.

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El cargo Union Pacific will track its containers in real time with GPS 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.