Cargo Crisis Uncertainty, CPKC Alliances: The Week in Logistics

Mexico faces a growing cargo theft crisis worsened by conflicting data and discrepancies in reported statistics. Meanwhile, the Mexican Association of Insurance Institutions (AMIS) reports that heavy equipment theft in Mexico has spiked by 46% in the past two years, with tractor-trailers and semi-trailers being the hardest hit. 

In other news, the Mexican Federation of Civil Engineering Associations (FEMCIC) warns that the suspension of a federal highway maintenance program could lead to job losses and the deterioration of the country's toll-free roads. 

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Discrepancies in Data Fuel Cargo Theft Crisis

The surge in cargo theft in Mexico has raised concerns within the transportation sector, leading to strikes and discussions between authorities and industry stakeholders. However, conflicting information and discrepancies in reported statistics complicate efforts to address the problem. 

Heavy Equipment Theft Rises 46% in Two Years

Heavy equipment theft in Mexico has surged by 46% since 2021, with tractor-trailers and semi-trailers being the most affected segments, according to the Mexican Association of Insurance Institutions (AMIS). Over 17,000 insured vehicles were stolen between 2021 and 2023, averaging 25 units per day. 

FEMCICs Call for Highway Maintenance Funds

The Mexican Federation of Civil Engineering Associations (FEMCIC) has expressed concerns over the cancellation of the maintenance and conservation program for federal highways in Mexico. The program, part of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT), has been suspended due to instructions from the Ministry of Finance. FEMCIC warns that this decision could lead to job losses and the deterioration of Mexico's toll-free roads, impacting the country's 42,000km network.

Ryder Expands Cross-Border Operations Amid Nearshoring Surge

Ryder System, a prominent US supply chain services provider, has announced the opening of a new logistics operation in Laredo, Texas, and the expansion of its drayage yard in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas. This expansion will allow the Laredo and Nuevo Laredo ports to become its primary inland transborder trade points between the United States and Mexico.

Fastfrate, CPKC Expand Mexico-US-Canada Connectivity Alliance

Fastfrate has renewed and enhanced its longstanding agreement with Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) for another five years, solidifying their 58-year partnership. The agreement includes operational enhancements, infrastructure investments, and an expansion of continental services into the United States and Mexico. 

Americold, CPKC to Build Cold Storage Facility in Kansas City

Americold is set to build its first facility in collaboration with Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) in Kansas City, Missouri, as part of an initiative to integrate its warehouse facilities into the CPKC network. The investment of US$127 million in the 31,122m2 facility is expected to create nearly 190 new jobs. 

CMA CGM, COSCO SHIPPING, Evergreen, OOCL Extend OCEAN Alliance

The CEOs of major shipping companies, including CMA CGM Group, COSCO SHIPPING, Evergreen, and OOCL, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to extend the OCEAN Alliance for an additional five years until 2032. The extension reaffirms their commitment to collaborate on maintaining transit times, sailing frequencies, and port coverage, ensuring stability and reliability in global supply chains.