Latin America Expansions, Key Acquisitions: The Weekly Roundup

In this week's roundup, Brazilian air cargo company Modern Logistics is set to expand its services across Latin America and into the United States. Furthermore, Saia has launched a new terminal in Laredo, Texas, enhancing their freight operations and customer service with improved connections to Mexico and the central and southern United States. 

Meanwhile, Thor Equities Group acquired a major industrial facility in Laredo to bolster cross-border logistics and support trade between Mexico and the United States. In other news, COSCO Shipping Lines is introducing a new direct maritime service between Asia and Mexico.

Ready for more? Here is your Week in Logistics!

Modern Logistics to Expand in Latin America and the US Air Cargo Markets

Modern Logistics is executing a two-stage strategy to expand into the Latin American and US air cargo markets. In 3Q24, the Brazilian company will extend its services to Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay. The second phase, targeting Mexico and the United States, is set to commence within six to twelve months.

Saia Opens New Terminal in Laredo, Texas

Saia opened a new terminal for Saia LTL Freight in Laredo, marking a significant investment to enhance its operations and customer service. This facility, which includes onsite warehousing, will act as one of two gateway terminals to Mexico and improve service across the central and southern United States.

Thor Equities Group Advances Cross-Border Logistics Strategy

Global real estate leader Thor Equities Group has acquired a premier 23,225m2 industrial facility in Laredo. This acquisition aims to leverage Laredo's position as the top US international trade port and capitalize on global trade trends and support tenants in both Mexico and the United States. The facility includes office space, 48 docks, 233 trailer stalls, and 272 parking spaces. 

COSCO Shipping Lines Opens New Direct Service in Mexico

COSCO Shipping Lines has highlighted Mexico's importance to its maritime business by launching a new direct service (WSA5) between Asia and Mexico. This weekly service aims to improve transport times for the increasing volume of imports from the Far East to Mexico. The WSA5 route includes calls at Asian ports such as Busan, Dalian, Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo, and Yokohama, while in Mexico, it will serve Ensenada, Manzanillo, and Lazaro Cardenas.

CN Formally Offers Binding Arbitration to TCRC

CN has formally offered to enter binding arbitration with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC), aiming to resolve the labor dispute by modernizing the collective agreement to enhance employee work-life balance and productivity. The proposal suggests the transition from a legacy miles-based pay system to scheduled work and hourly wages. However, the TCRC has rejected both the arbitration proposal and all previous offers.