Mexican logistics faces a paradox: while the country is positioning itself as a strategic hub in global supply chains, the pool of specialized talent is not growing at the same pace . The debate is no longer just about whether more infrastructure or technology is needed, but whether the human capital capable of operating these systems with sound judgment, efficiency, and regulatory compliance is being developed.

During the panel “Logistics and People: How to Retain the Most Valuable Asset in the Supply Chain ,” organized by the #SoyLogístico Association , it became clear that the talent shortage is no longer a temporary situation. “The competition isn’t between companies, it’s between supply chains… and who makes this happen? Human capital,” stated Exie Moscoso, director of the Institute of Postgraduate Studies in International Trade (IEPCI) .

The diagnosis is clear: the lack of qualified professionals has become a structural threat. Logistics cannot be conceived without foreign trade and regulatory compliance, and both demand specialists capable of anticipating, planning, and resolving issues. Today’s market requires practical, immediately applicable knowledge that allows professionals to cope with fluctuations in demand, tax reforms, and a digitalization process that is outpacing traditional curricula.

Mauricio Barrientos, a professor at IEPCI, noted that formal specialization in these subjects is relatively new . “Twenty years ago there was no master’s degree (focused on logistics); we’ve only been seeking specialization in these areas for a very short time.”

This historical gap explains why many companies still struggle to find talent with technical depth in foreign trade and integrated logistics.

From the operational front, Alberto Castillo, Deputy Director of Warehousing and Foreign Trade at Grupo México Transportes (GMXT) , indicated that companies’ failure to train their staff has three costs: turnover, inefficiency, and legal risk . Filling a vacancy can represent between six and nine months’ salary; an error at customs or with taxes can lead to penalties, program cancellations, or irreversible losses.

“The most expensive tax for companies is the tax of inefficiency,” he warned.

The debate also debunked the idea that salary alone retains talent. Claudia Patrón, Director of Logistics and Supply Chain at the Ministry of Economy , was clear: “Your competitor can offer you the same salary… companies should invest more in professional development .”

In a context of constant reforms to the Customs Law and the tax framework in Mexico, continuous updating is not optional; it is a condition for business survival .

Following this logic, the Ministry of Economy launched a program last year called Logistics Route , a strategy that stems from a worrying reality: more than 80% of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) lack formal clarity on what a supply chain is and how it works.

The program began with 13 training modules and 33 volunteer specialists. The response exceeded expectations with 10,200 participants, but only 4,000 of them completed the program . Now, it is evolving toward competency standards and micro-credentials that aim to certify specific skills within the sector.

The intention is clear: to integrate logistics and foreign trade as a single productive ecosystem and to raise the technical level from the business base.

Artificial intelligence can automate tasks, but it doesn’t replace judgment or the ability to interpret regulations. That judgment is built through continuous training.

The message from the panel is uncomfortable, but necessary: ​​Mexico will not lose competitiveness solely due to a lack of infrastructure, but rather due to a lack of skilled talent to operate it . Professionalization is not an expense; it is the investment that determines whether a supply chain will be resilient and profitable, or vulnerable to the first mistake.

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

El cargo Professionalizing to compete: the real challenge of logistics apareció primero en T21.

In an environment where logistics and the supply chain are evolving at high speed, constant updating has become a necessity for professionals in the sector, which is why Daniel Razo presented Route Guides , a book that offers a strategic vision on the main challenges and trends in the supply chain , addressing topics such as artificial intelligence, globalization, talent training and sustainability.

Daniel Razo is a recognized leader in operations and supply chain with over 25 years of experience across diverse industries.

He currently serves as Director of Operations and Supply Chain at Someone Somewhere , and has worked at companies such as Red Bull , 3M, L’Oréal , and T-Fal , among others.

His track record in team management, cultural change and operational optimization has made him a benchmark in Latin America.

After being an active participant for several years in The Logistics World Summit , Daniel Razo decided to share his knowledge about business and logistics through articles in Expansión, which eventually led him to write Route Guides .

“I realized that many of the experiences and learnings I have accumulated could help others navigate the challenges of the sector,” she said in an interview with T21.

The book is structured around three main themes that , according to its author, are fundamental to understanding and anticipating changes in the industry.

First, supply chain trends , where Razo examines how digitalization, nearshoring and the transformation of international markets are impacting logistics and trade.

“We have to understand these changes and adapt quickly, especially those companies that sell to the United States,” he explained.

As a second theme, the book addresses the role of human talent in the supply chain , since, although technology plays a crucial role, Razo insists that the success of companies still depends on people.

“A company’s deliverables, whether of high or low quality, are directly related to the preparation and culture of its members. If there is no culture of constant updating, companies lose the ability to read the market and end up falling behind,” he warned.

The third major line of Roadmaps is the environmental impact of the supply chain and the need to adopt more responsible business models.

The book cites examples of companies that are implementing sustainable strategies, such as the reuse of glass bottles in the beer industry and the recycling of textiles in the fashion sector.

The challenges of the logistics industry today

In a challenging environment for logistics, Razo pointed out that one of the most worrying challenges is the shortage of trained talent , so, to address this problem, he believes it is essential to broaden the profile of professionals in the sector.

“There are not enough qualified people coming into the industry, which forces us to develop our own talent. The supply chain does not only need engineers; it also requires graduates in business, marketing and specialists in other areas who provide a broader and more strategic vision,” he said.

Another important challenge is political and economic uncertainty , since the current context in Mexico and the United States is unstable due to the transition with Donald Trump and Claudia Sheinbaum at the head of their governments, which generates some turbulence in the markets.

Given this situation, he recommends that companies seek to diversify their markets to reduce their dependence on the United States.

Finally, the author highlighted the importance of improving efficiency in the last mile and adopting renewable energies in logistics.

“Europe is already making progress in reducing polluting emissions and this trend will not take long to arrive in Mexico. We must prepare to operate with more efficient vehicles and consolidate shipments to minimize the environmental impact,” he said.

A book that seeks to be a reference in the sector

Given this situation, Razo hopes that the Road Guides will become more than just an informative work, a reference material for professionals, companies and universities.

“I would love for universities to recommend it, because there are many people interested in the supply chain who are unaware of the breadth of this industry. They can specialize in storage, last mile, imports, exports and much more,” he said.

For now, the book is available on Amazon and through some independent distributors, although the author hopes that it will soon be available in libraries and physical bookstores.

For those seeking a clear and up-to-date view of the supply chain , Roadmapsoffers a strategic map that will allow them to successfully navigate a constantly evolving sector.

Comment and follow us on X: @jenna_GH_  / @GrupoT21

El cargo Roadmaps, a key book for the future of the supply chain apareció primero en T21.