Some people still have a “made in China” mentality, but the United States now imports more products from Mexico than any other country in the world. With that, cross-border logistics operations have become absolutely vital to keep goods moving efficiently.
Despite the growth in trade between the United States and Mexico, challenges remain in cross-border logistics, including regulatory compliance, infrastructure limitations, and language barriers. To overcome these challenges and others, shippers should work with experienced bilingual cross-border logistics providers with strong collaborative working relationships in both the United States and Mexico.
The Importance of Mexico as a Trade Partner
Mexico’s status as a top trade partner has risen, in part, because of the nearshoring movement, the ratification of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), and ongoing trade tensions with China.
Automotive and electronics manufacturers are among industries nearshoring operations to Mexico or growing their footprints there. In addition to vehicles and computers, the top commodities coming into the United States from Mexico include plastics, furniture, and fruits and vegetables.
Common Challenges in Cross-Border Logistics
There are a number of challenges in cross-border logistics that can affect cost, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. They include:
- Regulations. Navigating customs requirements, tariffs, and trade compliance is complicated. The list of documents needed to haul freight across the Mexican border into the United States includes a bill of lading, commercial invoice, carrier information, certificate of origin, and U.S. customs declaration.
- Infrastructure. Congestion at border crossings and limited storage options require quick thinking on the part of logistics providers.
- Culture. Language barriers and differing business practices impact communication and coordination.
Building Strong Cross-Border Partnerships
Working with experienced logistics providers specializing in U.S.-Mexico trade is invaluable. Having staff near the border in Texas is priceless to provide bilingual support and regular updates, enhance visibility, and work with local carriers.
Advanced technology also helps cross-border logistics providers build long-lasting partnerships – real-time tracking and immediate responses go a long way in improving customer satisfaction.
The best cross-border partners know how to save valuable time. There are 48 U.S.-Mexico border crossings. Logistics experts avoid the ports of entry with the highest levels of traffic congestion by monitoring real-time border wait times. They also frequent border crossings with dedicated lanes and facilities to efficiently process commercial goods.
Benefits of Collaborative Cross-Border Solutions
The benefits of collaborative cross-border logistics solutions provided by experts on the ground in Texas include:
- Streamlined Operations. Teams that handle cross-border moves day in and day out know how to navigate customs clearance processes efficiently.
- Cost Savings. Dedicated logistics professionals find the most efficient routes and ports of entry and help their customers save time and money.
- Enhanced Visibility. Real-time data sharing across stakeholders leads to improved decision-making.
- Resilience: Strong partnerships help mitigate risks and enable teams to adapt quickly to supply chain disruptions.
RJ Logistics is Your Partner for Cross-Border Shipping
RJ Logistics is right at the heart of the action with a bilingual team at our office in Laredo, Texas, site of the busiest truck port of entry at the U.S.-Mexico border, applying our expertise to cross-border rules and regulations, customs compliance, insurance coverage, and cargo security.
In November, key members of our staff attended the Supply Chain Nearshoring Summit in Queretaro, Mexico, where we were reminded of the critical role cross-border logistics plays in strengthening supply chains. We were proud to share how RJ Logistics’ U.S.-Mexico solutions, hands-on approach, and local expertise help businesses navigate the complexities of cross-border transportation. The conversations we had reinforced the importance of seamless, efficient logistics for driving growth in the nearshoring era.
Our cross-border logistics experts provide continuous updates in both English and Spanish, and it is our mission to deliver positive experiences for our customers, partners, and community through actions guided by our core values and principles. We require all of our thoroughly vetted carriers, with service options that include flatbed, Conestoga, cargo van, and dry van, to be on MacroPoint to give us real-time visibility to all shipments and provide 24/7/365 updates from pickup to delivery. Our carrier partners also are certified through the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) and have access to the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) lanes to ensure efficient and secure cross-border movements.
RJ Logistics has you covered. In addition to cross-border logistics, we offer expedite services and handle refrigerated and flatbed freight from our office in Laredo as well as our headquarters in Southfield, Michigan, and our facility in Indianapolis.
