Shipper Avoids Full Force of Labor Shortage
Demand for human capital in the Mexican auto industry is an ongoing issue plaguing many links in the supply chain. While some segments are feeling it worse than others, freight and shipping expert Tresguerras is among those on the positive side of the ledger.
“We have not felt the full force of the systemic unavailability of human capital,” says Jorge Almanza, Director General of Tresguerras. The company says it needs to fill just 150 new operator positions every year. “Contrary to the industry norm, Tresguerras’ turnover is low, helping the company maintain excellent levels of service.”
Established in Celaya, Guanajuato in 1935, the company has 1,000 heavy cargo units, 104 warehouses across the country and 380 local distributors to help it cover 95 percent of the country, according to its website. Most operators learn on-the-job, which increases the risk of accidents, says Almanza. That is one reason its recruitment and training process is so stringent. “Transport operators go through an internal training process that goes beyond their operational activities, including health seminars to help them take care of themselves,” says Almanza. “Tresguerras also carries out random drug tests twice a year. This program was established 10 years ago and our transport operators know that drugs will not be tolerated.”
The shipper holds yearly talks on topics such as defensive driving, operational technicalities, time management and lawful practices. Says Almanza: “It improves operator driving behavior and positively impacts logistics times and costs.”
Almanza says the company also is keenly aware of the impact the industry can have on Mother Nature. Tresguerras has over 1,800 vehicles with an average age of 2.5 years, all equipped with efficient engines. “We are well aware of the impact Tresguerras’ fleet has on the environment so we strive to include top-notch technology in our vehicles.”
Unfortunately technology in the heavy duty vehicle segment in general is lagging behind present environmental needs, mainly because of cost. “The market for gas and biodiesel engines is not sufficient in the segment,” says Almanza. “But Tresguerras plans to implement the technology once NOM-044 and NOM-086 regulations come into force to minimize the effect of their operations on the environment.”
Tresguerras commercial activities continue to grow. It recently expanded storage and inventory control services and it has offered courier services since 2015 for packages with an 80kg weight limit. It has opened several dropoff stations in strategic city locations and has created additional partnerships to cover demand. Its partnership with parcel-delivery company UPS complements its own services, but it is also branching out. “Our eight-year relationship with UPS is growing stronger, while we build others with CEVA Logistics, CFI Transportes and several US companies,” says Almanza. “We want to complement our service range, while simplifying international shipping for our clients.”