Intermodal Up, Customs Surge, Cablebús 5 Awarded

This week in logistics, rail freight softened through September even as intermodal ended the year with a surprising lift, while customs collections kept climbing on the back of VAT and a hydrocarbon-driven excise surge. In Mexico City, the Cablebús network locked in its next major build with the Line 5 award, as ports stayed in expansion mode with Altamira preparing six new terminal sites and pushing ahead on customs upgrades and dredging. 

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Mexico Rail Freight Slips 4.7%, but Intermodal Grows

Mexico’s rail freight declined in January–September 2025, but foreign trade still drove over three-quarters of tonnage. By late December, AAR data showed carloads down 12.9% while intermodal rose 5.4%, signaling a shift toward intermodal even as passenger rail grew year-on-year.

Mexico Customs Revenue Up Jan–Nov 2025 on VAT, IEPS

ANAM reported MX$1.32 trillion (US$73.46 billion) in customs-linked revenue in January–November 2025 despite fewer operations. IVA led collections, IEPS surged on higher hydrocarbon imports, and maritime customs drove over half of the total.

Mexico City Awards Cablebús Line 5 Contract to Doppelmayr

Mexico City awarded Cablebús Line 5 to a Gami–Doppelmayr joint bid for MX$7.87 billion (US$437.86 million) to build a 15.2km, 12-station line connecting Magdalena Contreras and Alvaro Obregon with Mixcoac Metro, targeting 3,000 passengers per hour per direction.

Altamira Prepares Six Terminals as Mexico Port Plan Advances

Altamira is readying six new terminal sites in its north port zone, with excavation and technical studies slated for completion by 1Q26 so private developers can begin building. ASIPONA also prioritized customs modernization, backed by more than MX$1.5 billion (US$83.7 million) and deeper channel capacity through dredging as part of its 2026 works portfolio.

GMXT, CloudMoyo Partner To Modernize Rail Operations With AI

GMXT teamed up with CloudMoyo to deploy an AI-driven crew management and analytics suite on Microsoft Azure, aiming to boost efficiency and safety. The rollout supports GMXT’s broader 2026 modernization push tied to nearshoring and cross-border rail growth.

Echo Launches EchoXBorder for US–Mexico Customs Brokerage

Echo Global Logistics launched EchoXBorder, expanding its US–Mexico cross-border offering with integrated customs brokerage, border consolidation, and real-time visibility through its tech platform. The service builds on Echo’s growing Mexico footprint, including Mexico City HQ and a Monterrey cross-border office, and its CTPAT-certified security posture.