Secure, Compliant Logistics Redefines Central American Trade

Q: What differentiates Grupo Ticamex from other logistics providers operating in Mexico’s cross-border and regional trade corridors?

A: Grupo Ticamex is a Mexican logistics company focused on exports to Central America, with operations in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua, as well as representation in Costa Rica. Our regional presence, combined with more than 110 employees and distribution centers in Tlalnepantla and Cd. Hidalgo, Chiapas, allows us to support cross-border operations with greater capacity and proximity to customers. 

Our main differentiator is the level of compliance and certification behind our services. We hold Sedex, ISO 9001:2015, CTPAT and Círculo de Proveedores certifications, where we have maintained Gold status for three consecutive years. These standards demonstrate that we operate ethically, meet quality and security requirements, and maintain strong fiscal compliance. 

This has become especially relevant following changes to Mexico’s Customs Law. Clients increasingly need logistics partners that are financially stable, transparent and fully compliant with tax and customs obligations. Our ability to maintain fiscal soundness, including securing VAT refunds, gives customers greater confidence that they are working with a reliable long-term partner. 

Q: The company specializes in consolidated cargo and full truckload services from Mexico to Central America and Panama. What type of clients or industries are driving demand for these services? 

A: Demand comes from a broad range of industries, as Central America imports everything from stationery, machinery and raw materials to automotive parts, cleaning products and insecticides. Automotive is particularly important for us, especially the export of spare parts. 

We also handle specialized and project cargo. For example, we are currently supporting a major telecommunications project involving the transport of towers and equipment for more than 1,000 mobile antennas in El Salvador. Over the years, we have moved oversized cargo, including bridges and complete industrial plants. Our services are designed to handle both consolidated shipments and full truckloads across virtually any sector moving goods into Central America and Panama. 

Q: Cargo security remains one of the main concerns in Mexico and Central America. How does Grupo Ticamex manage risks along international routes? 

A: We manage security through separate strategies for Mexico and Central America. In Mexico, we work with Sky Angel to monitor our units, establish geofences and maintain constant communication with drivers. This has helped us significantly reduce incidents: over the past year, we recorded two attempted thefts and one completed theft, compared with an average of around five stolen units annually in previous years. 

In Central America, we work with CISA, which provides both monitoring and armed onboard escorts where needed. This is especially important in Guatemala, where all units require security custody due to higher theft risks. Our broader strategy includes control points and local security coordination across Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua.

These measures have allowed us to operate without cargo thefts in Central America for the past three years. We have also maintained zero incidents in Nicaragua for more than two decades and in Costa Rica, despite rising theft risks in that market. 

Q: Despite having robust internal security measures, what challenges does the transport sector still face in its relationship with government authorities? 

A: Despite our security program, we believe there has been insufficient government support to address violence and crime affecting freight transport. Theft has always existed, but incidents have become more severe, including attacks and murders of drivers. Four years ago, we lost one of our operators in a violent incident, despite having security measures in place. These events affect not only companies, but also families and the availability of qualified drivers. 

Security risks are also contributing to the driver shortage in Mexico. Many operators choose to leave the industry or seek safer routes and jobs in the United States. This makes it harder to fill vacancies and increases pressure on logistics operations. 

The process of recovering stolen units is another major challenge. Even when a vehicle is recovered, companies face lengthy administrative procedures, costs and delays to file reports, access documentation and release units from impound yards. In some cases, the process can take from six months to a year, while towing and storage costs can become extremely high. 

We need authorities to treat freight security as a priority. This is not only about protecting cargo or equipment; it is about protecting drivers, who are people with families and deserve to return home safely. 

Q: What are the main operational challenges when moving cargo between Mexico and Central America, particularly in terms of customs, border crossings, infrastructure, and security? 

A: The main operational challenge is the increase in documentation required under the new customs regulations. Exporters are now asked to provide extensive information, including lease agreements, property deeds, photographs of facilities and details about machinery and assets. While we understand the need to strengthen controls against illegal imports, these requirements are also creating significant barriers for legitimate exporters. 

Some Central American customers have told us they may reduce purchases from Mexico because their suppliers are unwilling to share sensitive corporate and asset information. This is a concern because exports should be facilitated to help Mexican companies grow, generate revenue and create jobs. 

The adjustment period was particularly difficult at the beginning of the year, as many clients were not prepared for the new requirements. Some initially considered changing customs brokers because other providers were not requesting the same documentation. However, compliance is not optional, and customs brokers that fail to collect the required information risk losing their licenses during an audit.

I believe the government should maintain strong controls on imports while applying a more proportionate approach to exports. Companies must comply with customs rules, but export procedures should be designed to support Mexico’s international trade competitiveness rather than discourage companies from selling abroad. 

Q: Based on Grupo Ticamex’s performance in 2025, how has 2026 evolved in terms of demand, service growth, and client needs, and what are your expectations for 2H26?

A: While financial performance remains important, our main indicator is customer satisfaction. We are currently maintaining a 95% satisfaction rate, and our goal for the 2H26 is to preserve that level and ideally increase it to 96%. 

In logistics, reaching 100% satisfaction is difficult because delays, road blockades and customs issues can arise outside our control. Our focus is to minimize the impact of those external disruptions and ensure that the factors we can control, such as communication, service quality and operational follow-up, are managed as effectively as possible.