The Bajío region of Mexico is the epicenter of automotive manufacturing in North America, a highly demanding sector where every link in the supply chain must operate with pinpoint precision. In this ecosystem, Cherokee Logistics has once again demonstrated why it is the ideal strategic partner for the export industry . The Mexican firm has solidified its high-quality position by receiving two of the most prestigious international awards in the trucking industry.

For the fourth consecutive year, Cherokee was awarded the Penske Carrier Excellence Award , a testament to its operational consistency, punctuality, and adherence to global safety standards. Adding to this achievement is its recognition by JB Hunt as the “Best Intermodal Carrier 2025,” a distinction that validates the versatility, timely response, and reliability of its daily operations.

For the company, these awards reflect a business model that balances high efficiency with a deep commitment to the environment and people . Its value proposition is distinguished by operating a modern fleet comprised entirely of tractor-trailer trucks powered by compressed natural gas (CNG). This approach not only drastically reduces its carbon footprint but also aligns with international environmental audits and stringent border security protocols such as CTPAT certification.

“From the very beginning of Cherokee, we were clear that technological innovation and environmental responsibility should be the driving force behind our fleet. Validations from companies like Penske and JB Hunt demonstrate that transitioning to clean energy and investing in natural gas vehicle models does not disrupt the supply chain; on the contrary, it enhances the reliability that assembly plants demand today,” said Bernardo Cuevas, founding partner of the company.

For his part, Humberto Amador, also a founding partner, emphasized the brand’s sustainable evolution, stating, “Every international recognition and every kilometer traveled using natural gas brings us closer to the future of green logistics. This year we consolidated our operational excellence and reaffirmed our commitment to our clients and the Bajío region to continue conquering new territories in a clean and competitive manner.”

Additionally, the execution of this logistics strategy on the road relies on operational discipline . Julio Pérez, Operations Manager at Cherokee, pointed out that “maintaining intermodal excellence and CTPAT certification requires advanced telematics and impeccable customer service for our drivers. Punctuality and reliability on the road are the result of a team that monitors every detail in real time.”

With these credentials, Cherokee Logistics continues to chart the course for responsible efficiency in Mexico and North America.

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El cargo Cherokee, on a constant path towards excellence apareció primero en T21.

Starting next May, JB Hunt Transport will begin transporting refrigerated containers via an intermodal service between Monterrey, Mexico, and Pennsylvania , USA , a route that represents up to 15% savings compared to trucking.

Johnny Curiel, the company’s vice president of Mexico Services, explained that with this new client, they estimate an increase of 1,200 shipments , compared to the 6,000 currently handled by road.

“This client has had several reasons for switching to intermodal. They want to reduce their costs, but they also have internal environmental goals and find it very attractive because it helps them reduce their carbon footprint from shipping by more than 60%,” he said in an interview with T21.

The expectation with this client is to convert between four thousand and five thousand shipments to intermodal, with the remainder continuing by road.

He specified that this cargo will be transported through Ferromex , crossing through Piedras Negras, where it interchanges with BNSF . This will generate savings of between 10% and 15% compared to trucking. Furthermore, it has containers that can be opened and closed remotely.

“Our containers have a locking mechanism that we can install from our office so the doors can’t be opened. It’s a lock that can be activated, not remotely, once we load it, seal it, and that’s another benefit compared to trucking,” he commented.

He explained that the refrigerated intermodal service will move products that do not require inspection, although there are also exemptions. Therefore, if the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requests it, it will be carried out at BNSF yards in Eagle Pass, where they have cold storage facilities to maintain the supply chain.

He noted that railroads such as BNSF and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) are working on a project to resolve the origin inspection so that this type of service can be extended to imported goods.

However, he stated that having refrigerated service via train between Mexico and the United States is “a very important change for the market , it didn’t exist, last year it started with CPKC and us, before if they wanted this service between the countries it was only necessarily by road and it works and is a good option, but now we have this, they can take advantage of the advantages of the railroad in terms of scale, benefits and efficiencies to reduce their cost and their carbon footprint.”

It is worth mentioning that in 2024, it began with a service between Monterrey and Chicago , derived from the potential they observed in this segment between Mexico and the United States, a country where these types of movements are already carried out and which also sees greater growth.

“We’re having very similar discussions in the United States where clients are looking to do the same. Other opportunities could begin this year,” he said.

Similarly, Johnny Curiel commented that, as a result of the transfer of the majority of the CPKC network’s intermodal service to Ferromex in conjunction with BNSF during the first quarter of 2025, they achieved 40% year-over-year growth. Meanwhile, their ground traffic remained at levels similar to those in 2024.

“In 2025, we’re focusing our energy on converting highways to intermodal. There’s a greater opportunity for customers who ship between Mexico and the United States, and vice versa, to increase and make their operations more efficient, reduce costs, and increase the resilience of their supply chains,” he said.

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El cargo JB Hunt prepares intermodal refrigerated service between Monterey and Pennsylvania apareció primero en T21.