Expertise Backed Up by Innovative Logistics Solutions

Q: How has Dachser Mexico evolved its value proposition to more effectively support global automotive accounts in Mexico?

A: We are committed to enhancing and growing each of our freight service businesses, including air, sea and road. These, combined with a solid network and unmatched customer service, resulted in a strong 2019. We have seen solid organic growth in both our import and export businesses, with an especially significant 15 percent growth in exports. The current market situation is supporting the growth of our export business, as is our commitment to diversify service offerings, providing expertise in highly sensitive areas such as automotive and focusing on offering innovative solutions that ensure our customers an efficient, fluid and cost-effective supply chain.

Further strengthening our export business is Dachser’s European Logistics Solutions, which connects our Mexican partners with our robust European network. With a fleet of 13,000 trucks that unite all of Europe, Dachser offers seamless connections and services to this region. 

What our customers like about us is that we see logistics in the automotive industry as an integrated process. They know the team at our Automotive Center understands the challenges and nuances of automotive transport and that they are passionate about meeting our customers’ specific needs. To us, it is all about the knowledge and expertise of this particular sector. We know precisely what structure is best suited for the industry and that is why we have global and regional sales and operational key account teams in place, specifically for this industry.  Our teams know there are certain lengths and weight limits, packaging specifications and rules for the industry that we follow strictly through our standardized processes. For the automotive industry, we have also integrated a new service for “critical cargo,” a service that covers 24/ 7 operations, enabling our team to minimize risk situations and provide solutions that could enhance day-to-day operations.

Q: How have Dachser’s clients responded to Dachser’s consolidated cargo services connecting the Bajio region with Germany through the Queretaro Intercontinental Airport?

A: It has been a great experience to see the market’s reaction to this innovative solution. Typically, one would focus solely on air solutions via Queretaro’s airport, but we are looking to offer other more cost-effective and efficient solutions with better lead times. Our solutions provide the Bajio region the added benefits of a smoother clearance process since the location is closer to the port of entry. Additionally, our service also includes last mile solutions, including warehousing – whether regular or bonded –, pick and pack, as well as deliveries at any point in the Bajio region. 

With so many important OEMs in the region, it is natural that there would be a significant amount of Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers in the region as well. Dachser Mexico is prepared to provide innovative, customized solutions to each of them in an effort to elevate their day-to-day operations. Combining our seasoned team of experts with our full range of solutions, including warehousing and last mile services, we can differentiate Dachser Mexico from the competition. 

Q: What are the most important challenges and opportunities that USMCA’s enforcement will bring for the Mexican 3PL and 4PL services market?

A: All trade agreements offer tariff exemption and reduction of bureaucratic procedures, as well as other opportunities that 3PL and 4PL companies need to leverage for consistent growth. Despite the numerous advantages of USMCA, we must pay attention to hidden protection barriers. Fortunately, the experts at Dachser Mexico are highly trained at identifying and planning for each opportunity and challenge.

Q: What kind of partnerships with transportation companies and automotive companies does Dachser need to develop to continue growing in this market?

A: We abide by strict criteria when selecting carriers. For our air and sea business, we have a Tier 1 and Tier 2 selection process for the selection of carriers, which is developed by our Global Air and Sea Product Managers. This process allows us to guarantee our customers a certain level of service they have come to expect from us. On the trucking side, we work with a specific selection of carriers, all of which must follow a strict protocol to be part of our pool of service providers. The automotive industry is highly demanding in terms of transport. If, for any reason, we are delayed, it not only impacts production but the customer’s delivery date. To minimize this risk, we only use the best in the market.

Q: How can companies better address the needs of automotive companies in terms of just-in-time (JIT) and just-in-sequence (JIS) operations?

A: We are highly familiar with all applicable customs regulations in various countries after having spent decades as a main player in the international stage. We meticulously navigate the automotive industry’s consignments through the extensive provisions of local and worldwide customs regulations and coordinate the entire customs clearance process with local authorities.

JIT and JIS are operations that we handle with care, always providing the most efficient solutions to our customers. If an emergency happens overnight, our critical cargo team will swiftly resolve the issue in the most appropriate and efficient way, ensuring our customers that their cargo is safe and in good hands.

Q: What are the best opportunities to avoid saturation at ports and airports and improve shipping efficiency?

A: As an industry, we need to diversify our solutions to avoid saturation. We must change our mindset and be open to different solutions. We are so used to manage freight through the same routes that we tend to avoid change, which will keep the industry from growing. Options like Tuxpan, regarding sea freight, and Queretaro, Toluca, Monterrey or Guadalajara in terms of air freight are open for the market and need to be considered.  We just need look at all the options objectively and determine if a new course of action may be worth trying.

Dachser is a global market leader in system logistics. The family-owned company was founded in 1930 in Germany and has 27,000 employees worldwide. The company arrived to Mexico in 2006 and has an annual income of US$55.76 million