The story of Grupo TAP is not built on a narrative of accelerated expansion or opportunistic logic . Rather, it is the result of a long-term analysis of the Mexican logistics system, the accumulation of operational experience, and a business conviction that understands that growth doesn’t always mean moving quickly, but rather moving steadily. Its origins date back to the port privatization three decades ago, which paved the way for TAP Terminal in the port of Manzanillo as a facility designed for handling agricultural bulk cargo. “The terminal was mostly designed to house a grain terminal, with a structure that at the time was state-of-the-art,” recalls Gabriel Rivera, CEO of TAP Terminal, in an interview with T21.

That infrastructure, designed for a single segment, ended up being the foundation of a diversification process that shaped the group’s direction. Over time, TAP understood that the port demanded more than specialization: it demanded flexibility, agility, and operations aligned with the real needs of the industrial supply chains . Thus began its foray into general cargo, a segment that for years had been treated as residual in Manzanillo. “General cargo was left as the last operation that generated revenue,” says Rivera, highlighting a historical oversight that directly impacted strategic industries such as automotive.

The strategy was clear from the outset: to release cargo as quickly as possible and prevent the port from becoming a storage facility . “We understand that cargo isn’t for storage; the port is a transit point,” he insists. This philosophy led to a direct operating model that, while complying with all customs regulations, reduced both time and costs. The numbers support this logic: in 2025, 775,000 tons of general cargo were handled, with 60% released directly, confirming a solid operating year for TAP Terminal.

THE BREAKING POINT

However, this growth was not without its crises. The year 2024 marked the organization’s biggest challenge when regulatory interpretations completely halted general cargo operations for months at TAP Terminal. “In September, we moved zero tons, not a single ship,” recalls Rivera. The corporate decision was to retain staff, absorb the financial impact, and defend the process technically. The outcome revealed an uncomfortable truth: port congestion was not an isolated problem. Nine anchored general cargo ships raised alarm bells . “An anchored ship costs thousands of dollars,” Rivera points out, making it clear that the cost of inefficiency ultimately affects the entire supply chain.

El cargo Beyond the dock: Grupo TAP’s strategic route apareció primero en T21.

On November 10, the seventh edition of the Contecon Manzanillo Race for a Cause will take place , an event that has gained prestige for its commitment to the community and its positive impact on the local educational infrastructure.

The organizers revealed the details of the event at a press conference, which aims to promote the sporting spirit of the population and contribute to the development of the city, allocating 100% of the funds raised through registration to charitable work in support of education.

During the event, all residents of Manzanillo were called upon to participate in the race, which, in addition to being a healthy competition, is a recreational opportunity for families .

The press conference was attended by: José Antonio Contreras, CEO of Contecon Manzanillo ; Francisco Santana, operating director of the seventh Race with a Cause; César Romero, CEO of CIMA Group ; Carla Román, representing Woodward Logistics ; Yohana Huezo, representing Tap Terminal ; Fu Hua, general director of COSCO Shipping Lines .

“We thank all the companies that have supported us from the beginning and the large foreign companies that have joined, recognizing the importance of these events for one of the most important ports in the country, such as Manzanillo. It is an honor for us to organize this race, which promotes sport and strengthens our community. In addition, this year we will launch an exclusive challenge for sponsors, as a recognition of their essential collaboration, which is key to the success of this sporting event,” said José Antonio Contreras, CEO of Contecon Manzanillo.

In this edition of the race, approximately 316,200 pesos will be awarded in prizes to the winners of the different categories. This event has attracted people from other states, which contributes to local tourism. This year, it is expected to exceed the amount raised in 2023. The funds obtained through registrations will be used to remodel classrooms, build breakfast areas, rehabilitate lighting, and other improvements in basic education facilities in the region.

“We hope to surpass last year’s goal, which in 2023 raised 1 million 643 thousand 877 pesos ,” said Francisco Santana, operational director of the Contecon Race for a Cause.

The race is designed so that people of all ages can participate, providing a healthy and enriching experience.

“This collaboration is very important for us. We want to increase this type of partnership in the business field to jointly transmit values ​​to society,” said Fu Hua, general manager of COSCO Shipping Lines.

“We have a common purpose and mission: to contribute to promoting the values ​​of sport in the family and education in Manzanillo. We hope that more and more people will join us to continue promoting these values, which will contribute to the education of children and young people, who will be the future entrepreneurs who will run our great port,” said César Romero, CEO of CIMA Group.

Carla Román, from Woodward Logistics, and Yohana Huezo, from Tap Terminal, highlighted that these types of events promote sports and leave a positive impact on the community and on Manzanillo. They stressed that the most important thing is education, and extended an invitation to join, thanking the organization for making them participate in this noble cause.

Comment and follow us on X:@GrupoT21

El cargo Contecon Manzanillo announces the 7th edition of its Charity Run. apareció primero en T21.