Ryder Expands Cross-Border Operations Amid Nearshoring Surge

US-based leading supply chain services provider Ryder System announced the opening of a new logistics operation in Laredo, Texas, and the expansion of its drayage yard in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. This expansion comes as the ports of Laredo and Nuevo Laredo have become the top inland transborder trade ports between the United States and Mexico, following Mexico's rise to the No. 1 spot among US trading partners last year.

According to Ryder System, the new 21,180m2 multi-client warehouse and cross-dock in Laredo is located just 4km from the World Trade Bridge on the US-Mexico border, with easy interstate access in both directions. The facility features 102 dock doors, room for 143 trailers, and is within a 9.6km radius of Ryder's other operations in Laredo, allowing for overflow and pooling of labor and resources for added flexibility, the company reports.

Ricardo Alvarez, Vice President of Supply Chain Operations, Ryder Mexico, highlighted the increasing truck border crossing activity between the United States and Mexico, which has risen more than 20% annually since the pandemic. Alvarez noted that more businesses are turning to nearshoring to diversify their supply chains and shorten lead times. “The savings from manufacturing overseas can be offset by inventory sitting on ships or in seaports incurring storage fees; and, of course, by the product being unavailable to meet demand,” Alvarez noted, adding that with operations in Mexico, products can be transported on trucks and reach a final-mile distribution center within days, as opposed to months with overseas manufacturing.

On the Mexican side, Ryder System is expanding its Nuevo Laredo drayage yard to facilitate the transfer of freight across the border to US drivers. Ryder Mexico manages over 250,000 freight movements annually across the entire Mexican border, supporting customers in various industries such as automotive, industrial, technology, and consumer packaged goods, the company noted. Ryder System operates approximately 464,515m² of multi-client and dedicated warehouse and yard space across Mexico.