This was the warning issued by Silvia Armendáriz, Head of Compliance in Mexico at Livingston International , who told T21 that companies face not only increased scrutiny, but also the urgent need to rethink their internal processes .

From their perspective, the recent customs closures on the northern border, farmers’ strikes, and road blockades exposed a structural weakness: the absence of robust contingency plans .

“Many companies were wondering, ‘Where do we go now?’ because they didn’t have an alternative plan when not only was the bridge closed, but the roads were too,” he explained.

These events, coupled with regulatory changes set to take effect in 2026 , have caused delays in exports and imports that are still lingering in some transactions. But beyond the physical movement of goods, Armendáriz emphasized that the biggest challenge will lie in the documentation and compliance aspects.

One of the main challenges for companies will be the implementation of the Value Statement , the mandatory nature of which has been postponed until April 1, 2026. Although the extension offers a respite, the specialist warned that many companies are not prepared.

“They probably don’t even have a valuation analysis of their merchandise,” he noted.

He added that the problem is not just having documents, but demonstrating their traceability and consistency. In this context, the authority has begun to place special emphasis on the so-called “materiality” of transactions, that is, verifying that the transactions actually occurred and do not exist only on paper.

Incomplete contracts, inconsistencies in incoterms or lack of clarity on logistical responsibilities, insurance and contributions are some of the most common failures that could trigger observations in audits.

In addition, the electronic file will be expanded beyond the traditional customs declaration and its attachments. It will now include more information related to certifications, notices, and documents stipulated in Article 59 of the Customs Law, which must be available for each transaction, that is, for each customs declaration.

Artificial intelligence and finer revisions

Armendáriz also anticipated a significant change in how the tax authority will audit companies : the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in reviews. This will involve more detailed and automated analysis of information, reducing the margin of error that could previously go unnoticed in manual audits.

“It will no longer be enough to have a file that says ‘invoice’ or ‘statement of value’; the authority will check that it is really the correct document and that the data is consistent with the operation and the importer,” he warned.

In parallel, the modifications to the Federal Tax Code regarding CFDI (electronic invoices) will also have a direct impact on foreign trade, requiring greater coordination between the logistics, finance, tax, and legal departments. “Each area can no longer work separately; now we truly need real synergy ,” he emphasized.

While acknowledging greater openness from the authorities and the active role of associations in securing concessions and extensions, Armendáriz believes a problem of communication and legal certainty persists. In many cases, decisions are announced with very little notice, sometimes even hours before they take effect.

“One day they tell us we’re going to need it, and at night they tell us we don’t. To the outside world, this translates into a lack of legal certainty,” he stated.

Given this scenario, planning becomes a critical factor. For 2026, Armendáriz recommended that companies not rely on a single scenario. “We have to think about Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C ,” he stated, which implies reviewing logistics routes, suppliers, import mechanisms, permit expiration dates, and the impact of new tariffs.

The key point, he said, will be to thoroughly review internal processes, from document security to the relationship with customs agents, who will also assume greater responsibilities and are already adjusting contracts and information requirements.

“If we don’t review our processes now, by 2026 the problem will not only be one of compliance, but also of logistics, because the merchandise simply won’t flow,” he stated.

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El cargo Regulatory changes, increased oversight, and a lack of legal certainty are among the logistical challenges of 2026. apareció primero en T21.

Among other setbacks, road safety remains a challenge, while thousands of drivers are abandoning their jobs due to this factor and poor working conditions. Even so, Mexican logistics has evolved in recent years, driven by nearshoring (relocation of production lines), digitalization, and the commitment to clean energy.

Héctor Romero, a member of the National Council of Logistics and Supply Chain Executives (ConaLog) , said in an interview with T21 that the future of the sector depends on how these contrasts are addressed.

One of the most serious structural problems is the precariousness of the road network , which, with more than 800,000 kilometers, operates with deficient maintenance and a lack of capacity.

“Most roads are only two lanes, which limits transportation efficiency. Added to this is congestion in urban areas and recurring traffic jams,” Romero said.

In this regard, he stated that the situation has a direct impact on logistics costs, competitiveness, and delivery reliability .

Ports and airports are also facing problems. Romero noted that recent strikes and heavy rains in Manzanillo and Mexico City International Airport (AICM) have caused delays of up to four months in operations, revealing the lack of modern and resilient infrastructure.

Likewise, security remains a critical issue. According to Romero, a cargo robbery occurs every 27 minutes in Mexico, representing losses of 70 billion pesos (mdp) last year.

“Operators not only face merchandise theft, they are also victims of extortion, kidnapping, and physical assault. This reality is driving out talent and exacerbating the operator shortage,” he explained.

Another major gap is technological adoption in the supply chain . The specialist noted that many companies still do not integrate advanced management systems, telemetry, or Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their operations.

“The lack of digital culture is hindering logistics efficiency. We need tools that give us real-time visibility, resilience, and the ability to respond to disruptions,” he noted.

Beyond the diagnosis, Romero emphasized that the key lies in collaboration between the private sector, academia, and government , since no single actor can address problems such as insecurity, a lack of operators, or infrastructure saturation alone.

He explained that ConaLog is promoting partnerships with universities to develop new talent and introduce young people to logistics practices.

He also noted that technology and sustainability are the cornerstones of transformation , and considered that operational resilience will only be possible through investment in modern infrastructure, acceleration of digitalization, and promotion of sustainable practices that are already required by major logistics players.

Sustainability and new energies

For the ConaLog advisor, the transition toward sustainable logistics models is urgent. The sector faces pressure to reduce emissions and adapt to global trends, such as the electrification of transportation, the use of biofuels, and green hydrogen .

Romero highlighted cases such as ADO , which is already experimenting with biodiesel from waste, or companies such as DHL , UPS , and Amazon , which are incorporating electric and autonomous vehicles into their operations.

However, he acknowledged that electromobility in heavy-duty transport will take at least 15 to 20 years to become established in Mexico, due to the lack of charging infrastructure and government incentives.

Over the past five years, logistics in Mexico has shown progress in infrastructure, automation, and sustainability, driven by foreign trade and the nearshoring phenomenon .

Héctor Romero is among the invited logistics specialists at the upcoming Top Flotillas/LOGEX , an event organized by RX México , taking place from September 2 to 4 and aiming to be a hub for business connections. Romero will participate in the conference ” Map of Innovation: Energy and Autonomy ,” where he will provide a broader overview of the opportunities for clean energy in transportation in Mexico.

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El cargo Mexican logistics at breaking point: challenges turning into opportunities apareció primero en T21.

MONTERREY, NL – Amid an environment fraught with trade uncertainty, shifting tariffs, a lack of infrastructure, and growing concerns about road safety , Jordan Dewart, president of Redwood Mexico , noted that cross-border logistics is not just about moving goods, but rather a constant challenge of planning, adaptation, and technological vision.

“Today, the biggest challenge in logistics between Mexico and the United States is uncertainty. Not only because of the tariffs being imposed and lifted, but also because of the lack of clarity for planning. Logistics requires organization and foresight, but we have been operating as if every day were an emergency drill,” Dewart said.

The situation is complicated by persistent structural challenges, such as an imbalance in export and import capacity, a shortage of drivers, and increasing road insecurity.

“It’s hard to convince a young person to become a truck driver if they know they could be a victim of robbery or violence,” Dewart said.

Given this situation, Redwood Mexico works hand in hand with its clients to design tailored strategies.

“Our focus isn’t on the assets, but on the customer. We understand their processes and build around them. We’re not the type to build a warehouse first, waiting for customers to arrive; we develop alongside them,” he said.

With a workforce of more than 200 employees in Mexico and operations exceeding 30,000 annual shipments , the company has a physical presence and covers key cities such as Monterrey, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, and Mexico City, allowing them to understand and adapt to the cultural specificities of each region.

Continuous investment, commitment to Mexico

Despite the challenges, Redwood continues its expansion, and last month launched operations in a new office in Querétaro, with its formal opening scheduled for June.

“Mexico has everything: location, labor, resources, experience. Even if 25% tariffs were imposed, the supply chains are already here and can’t be easily moved,” Dewart said.

This comes in light of the uncertain outlook that has threatened the industry with tariffs from the U.S. government.

The executive also called for addressing two key issues to move forward: improving logistics infrastructure (roads, ports, customs systems) and ensuring security on transportation routes .

“It’s not just about asking the government for support. We must first accept that we have a problem; that’s the first step toward moving forward,” he asserted.

For Dewart, the future of trade between Mexico and the United States is full of opportunities, so “if we approach it with joint intelligence, we can replicate international best practices and build more efficient, secure, and connected logistics.”

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El cargo Uncertainty, the greatest enemy of cross-border logistics apareció primero en T21.

The logistics sector has historically faced challenges, however, according to MTM Logix , 2025 promises to be the year of the unpredictable , where the traditional rules of the game seem insufficient to navigate a global landscape full of uncertainty.

Mario Veraldo, CEO of MTM Logix, noted that Mexico is a country strategically positioned as a logistics hub in Latin America, so challenges are not only inevitable, but also an opportunity to lead change with resilient and adaptive strategies .

In this sense, recent years have shown how global events, from port blockades to extreme weather events , can disrupt supply chains with unprecedented speed and magnitude.

These events, far from being anomalies, are becoming the norm in an increasingly interconnected and vulnerable environment.

In the case of Mexico, trade tensions between the United States and China , together with the recent reconfiguration of treaties such as the USMCA, have positioned the country in a leading role.

However, this position also brings with it significant challenges such as: congestion at major ports, lack of technological infrastructure and an urgent need to adopt new practices in the face of market volatility.

For decades, logistics companies have relied on traditional economic indicators, such as GDP, domestic consumption and transport rates, to plan their operations, but these indicators are proving insufficient in a world where disruption is the new constant.

Today, logistics leaders face the challenge of interpreting chaotic data and making real-time decisions in the face of unforeseen events .

“ Logistics is evolving from an operational function to a strategic pillar. At MTM Logix, we see that companies that prioritize flexibility in their processes are the ones best positioned to overcome the challenges of this year and those to come ,” said Veraldo.

Lessons for 2025: adapt or be left behind

Along these lines, Mario Veraldo indicated that, in this new context, learning is key, so prioritizing resilience over efficiency is one of the key points to face these challenges.

According to the specialist, the obsession with reducing costs has led many companies to adopt just-in-time inventory models , but in 2025, the trend is changing towards building resilient supply chains, including safety inventories, multiple suppliers and diversification of transportation routes.

On the other hand, adopting technology with caution is another essential point this year, since, although tools such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things are revolutionizing the industry, relying exclusively on predictive models based on historical data can be counterproductive.

Finally, a model of alliance and cooperation could be of great help this year, since sharing information and risks among key actors in the supply chain can be the key to facing crises in an agile and effective manner.

“If we have learned anything, it is that uncertainty is not an obstacle, but a catalyst for innovation. In 2025, companies must adopt an adaptive mindset, build strategic alliances and prioritize resilience in their supply chains. This is the way to not only face the challenges of the present, but also prosper in the future ,” said Veraldo .

The future of Mexican logistics depends on its ability to transform chaos into opportunity.

In a world where the only constant is change, Mexico has the opportunity to establish itself as a regional leader if logistics companies adopt visionary and collaborative strategies.

“ 2025 presents us with a new paradigm: it is not about predicting what is coming, but about preparing for any scenario. It is a year to dare, innovate and lead change from uncertainty ,” said the executive.

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El cargo 2025: The Year of Resilient Supply Chains apareció primero en T21.

In the face of the nearshoring boom (migration of production lines to consumer centers), in which companies begin to expand and relocate their operations in Mexico, the challenges that the country faces in establishing companies, such as infrastructure and security, are often highlighted, but what happens with cross-border transportation to the main destination, which is the United States?

In the webinar Capacity and Security: The Keys to Transforming Border Trade organized by VAX Solutions, Eduardo Chaim, its Commercial Director, highlighted that Mexico has been characterized as a country with highly specialized industry , in addition to the fact that exports to the United States have increased considerably, which makes it relevant to strengthen cross-border transport.

In context, Mexico’s trade balance with North America showed a surplus in 2023 , with 85.7% in exports (508,193 million dollars (mdd)) and 44.9% in imports (268,561 mdd), in addition to Mexico displacing China as the United States’ first trading partner in 2023 , with a surplus in the trade balance in favor of Mexico of 235 billion dollars.

“It is a great challenge for transport chains, as it represents an imbalance in transport services to create this capacity to meet the demand for transport, because the increase in volume will not be equal to the installed cargo capacity,” said Chaim.

On the other hand, the specialist indicated that the lack of tractor-trailer operators is another important challenge within land transportation, especially because in Mexico there is a shortage of approximately 60 thousand drivers .

In this regard, he explained that measures must be taken to provide operators with the conditions necessary to make this work more attractive.

“We know that a fleet of 60,000 trucks with 60,000 operators will not suddenly appear to balance demand. This is why it is important to generate capacity and solid relationships between suppliers,” he said.

Chaim pointed out that VAX developed corridors to strengthen and offer strategic business for all carriers through a contract infrastructure, to link one company with another to generate greater capacity and meet demand.

In addition, in order to protect operators, the company has a security team that develops safe transit protocols.

“I believe that the most important thing as a pillar of the transport chain is the life of the operators, the safety and integrity of the fifth wheel drivers, tractor-trailers, and small units. We must make our users and clients understand that we must respect transit times to maintain the integrity of our people,” said Eduardo Chaim.

He also indicated that in order to have capacity, they have a solid network of suppliers , with specialized transportation in different industries.

On the other hand, Sergio Nava, Director of Logistics Operations at VAX, added that understanding the client and their needs generates a value proposition in the business, since “it is not only about filling loads and deliveries here, these are your routes, but really looking for that grain of rice of what is it that hurts you, what? What is it that is currently causing conflict in your operation? “

To foster dialogue on the opportunities presented by  nearshoring , Grupo T21 will organize the  Transportation and Logistics Meeting (ETYL)  on October 9 and 10 in Nuevo León. With the central theme “Maximizing logistics opportunities with  nearshoring ,” this event will bring together important industry leaders in Mexico. For more information, you can check all the details by clicking  here .

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El cargo Creating Capacity to Address Challenges in Cross-Border Transportation apareció primero en T21.

In a challenging logistics and transportation landscape, the main challenges of the supply chain in Mexico are more concentrated in external factors such as insecurity and infrastructure , however, leaders are increasingly addressing best practices to confront them.

The Comparative Study of Practices and Trends in Mexico 2024 , presented by #SoyLogístico Asociación in conjunction with Deloitte , addresses the current state of key issues and challenges facing the value chain function, and was answered by 73 supply chain leaders from 21 different industries.

According to the study, the main challenges facing supply chain leaders are : qualified labor (59 mentions), road infrastructure (58), inventory shortage (58), financial volatility (57), competition for assets and infrastructure (56), insecurity in the country (56), port infrastructure (54), excess inventory (46) and airport infrastructure (41).

Regarding the level of implementation of technologies , the study indicates that the technologies with the highest level of implementation are enterprise resource planning or ERP (73%), barcodes (66%) and warehouse management systems or WMS (59%).

On the other hand, they highlight as emerging technologies that companies do not implement blockchain (81%), artificial intelligence (75%) and task automation (68%).

The study also referred to the availability and quality of information that allows leaders to make better and more informed decisions , in which information and feedback from suppliers obtained the highest level of dissatisfaction with 39%; a field in which logistics players constantly insist on integrating business metrics.

To meet these challenges, the study indicates that companies prioritize investment in operational excellence (42%), with practices mainly in quality and safety certifications; logistics and distribution (26%), with techniques such as inventory management and warehouse optimization; and sustainability (16%), before focusing directly on cost reduction (15%).

Furthermore, due to the complicated logistics, companies are outsourcing some processes, such as inbound and outbound transport , with partners who have the necessary infrastructure and knowledge, so this business model grows year after year.

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El cargo Supply Chains and Their Challenges in Logistics apareció primero en T21.