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Connectivity, Digital Integration Define Quality in Logistics

Alfredo Carrillo - Multilog Internacional
CEO

STORY INLINE POST

Sofía Garduño By Sofía Garduño | Journalist & Industry Analyst - Tue, 12/02/2025 - 12:41

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Q: What is the core value proposition that sustains Multilog Internacional, and how is it specifically designed to mitigate the complexity of cross-border trade in Mexico?

A: Multilog Internacional was established in 2008, taking advantage of my three decades of experience in the industry, and supported also by a robust network of contacts in Mexico and the United States. From the outset, I recognized that carriers are limited by the capacity of their own fleet, which often leads them to decline customer requests. This led me to envision a model that could integrate multiple logistics services under one company, what is known as a one-stop-shop approach. Our first value proposition was to integrate a wide range of logistics services. To address this, we function as a logistics intermediary, broker, and forwarder, connecting customer needs with the right providers.

The second value proposition stems from a global trend: companies increasingly prefer to operate through logistics service providers. Nowadays, some major organizations rely exclusively on logistics operators and do not contract transporters directly. Our strategy aligns with this shift. We work closely with vetted and certified providers that are fully capable of handling a wide array of operations. What we add is the groundwork: for every type of need, we have pre-aligned providers ready to respond.

Q: What factors have been most critical to Multilog Internacional’s growth in the volatile Mexican logistics sector?

A: When founded, Multilog Internacional’s objective was to offer a full range of logistics services covering everything that enters or leaves a factory, distribution center or retail location. Over time, we expanded that portfolio to more than 58 services. However, the broader goal was to establish a strong institutional foundation that would strengthen the organization beyond logistics alone. And after 17 years, Multilog Internacional stands on four fundamental pillars.

The first pillar is logistics itself. The second pillar is security, which has become essential, particularly in Mexico. We cannot simply attribute an incident to external conditions; our role is to stay ahead. Last year, we handled a record 40,000 shipments and had only seven theft incidents, a performance rate of 99.98%. This is the result of a dedicated security division, supported by technological partners, satellite tracking, electronic routing, and client-specific protocols. We also implement ISO 9001–aligned audits across our entire provider base, confirming that they meet our operational standards and further mitigating risk throughout our operations.

The third pillar is finances. Global corporations increasingly demand extended payment conditions. These terms can severely affect transport providers, whose main expenses require immediate payment. A small fleet cannot survive under these terms. Multilog Internacional has built financial strength through conservative profit retention, allowing us to offer quick pay programs to our providers, positioning us not merely as their clients but as long-term strategic partners.

The fourth pillar is technology. Traditional modes of transport will remain essential, but what is changing rapidly is how we integrate with customers. Real-time connectivity and digital integration now define service quality. We are investing heavily in platforms that enable this level of interaction.

Q: What are the most common structural challenges Multilog Internacional faces in scaling its operations to meet the nearshoring demand?

A: Mexico is receiving significant new opportunities from nearshoring; however, as this growth accelerates, it is also facing infrastructure constraints. Our strategy is to support clients across all logistics fronts with flexibility, technological integration, and operational reach. We operate in every major border crossing, which, in turn, allows us to recommend the most efficient route depending on each client’s flows, often generating significant savings. Our focus was clear, responding to rising cost pressures without compromising service quality, security, financial strength, or reliability.

Our greatest differentiators are flexibility and speed. Clients value our responsiveness and highly streamlined processes, which prevent unnecessary bureaucracy and keep operations moving efficiently. They also recognize the stability of our team. Our turnover rate is extremely low, which is rare in Mexico. This stability is critical because many companies experience constant organizational changes. When new personnel arrive, we already understand their operation, which gives them confidence and strengthens long-term relationships.

We compete with global players, but our advantage is adaptability. Large corporations often require clients to adjust to their processes. Our philosophy is the opposite: we adapt to the client’s needs. This approach has allowed us to build long-standing partnerships. Many of our key clients have continued with us for over 15 years, also consistently winning competitive bids against much larger companies.

Q: How will the Customs Law reform impact daily cross-border efficiency, and what is the main compliance challenge it poses for your clients?

A: The new legal framework places brokers under a strict regime of responsibility and shared liability regarding the accuracy of imported goods. It is one thing for a broker to attest to a declaration and another for them to act as a technical expert. And although we are not customs brokers, we work closely with them across all operations. Our priority is to prevent the new regulations from becoming a bottleneck that increases border crossing times or operational delays. We add value by helping clients eliminate unnecessary activities. Demurrage and detention are highly detrimental, but our aim is to remove inefficiencies, so clients pay only for what is necessary.

The implications of the new law will continue to unfold, and the adjustments will be significant. However, we are committed to working closely with customs brokers to navigate this transition effectively.

Q: What are the company’s main goals for 2026, and what steps is the company taking this year to make them happen?

A: We have historically grown 25%–30% annually and doubled in size every two to three years. Growth is naturally harder as the company becomes larger, and this year has been more challenging, but momentum remains strong. Our strategy focuses on expanding into diverse sectors, which gives us stability and reduces dependence on any single market. We also maintain a broad geographic presence with offices across key cities in Mexico.

Commercially, we take a diagnostic approach: we identify a client’s specific pain points and offer targeted solutions. Many of our largest wins have come from resolving urgent operational failures that others could not. Positioning ourselves as problem-solving leaders, always prepared to address critical logistical crises.

To sustain long-term growth, we avoid complacency. Clients may change suppliers, stop importing, or shift operations. Continuous prospecting, supported by a 22-person sales force and a methodological approach to identifying opportunities, is essential. We also leverage sector expertise to build credibility. Serving one company within an industry often opens doors to others that value our understanding of their operational challenges. Despite our scale, we still represent only 0.1% of a highly fragmented market, meaning there is significant room to grow by executing a few well-designed strategies each year.

Finally, we are deepening relationships with existing clients by offering additional services, including in Central America. Our focus remains on maintaining dynamism, adapting to external challenges, and sustaining a positive, solutions-driven mindset even in a difficult environment.

Multilog Internacional is a logistics operator offering 4PL and 3PL services. It specializes in integrating ground, air ocean freight, warehousing, and customs management.

Photo by:   MBN

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