STI: Managing Growth and Quality Across Borders

Q: With seven locations in Mexico and four in the United States, how do you ensure that your operations maintain consistency in service quality?

A: We are a fully Mexican company with a presence in the United States. We offer both domestic and international services. In the United States, we operate mainly with US drivers, but a small proportion of our drivers have B1/B2 visas for international crossings. This allows Super Transporte Internacional to offer door-to-door service with the same trailer from Mexico to the United States without trans-shipment at the border, ensuring the cargo is not offloaded or handled. Our processes prioritize security, adhering to Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) and Authorized Economic Operator (OEA) regulations, which are crucial for our supply chain and service quality.

Q: How do you ensure that each of Super Transporte Internacional’s services maintain high standards of quality and safety?

A: We ensure high standards of quality and safety through a robust operator training program, mainly for specialized transportation. Our recruitment and selection process is stringent, matching operators with the right experience to the appropriate cargo. We also prioritize road safety and continuous monitoring, providing operators with tools and support to ensure secure and efficient door-to-door transport. 

Q: What are some of the latest technological advances the company has implemented and how have they impacted your operations? 

A: We have implemented various technologies, including GPS systems that provide telematics and telemetry data to help prevent theft and ensure road safety. These tools generate valuable data and KPIs, aiding decision-making in safety and performance. The integration of AI enhances our ability to monitor and protect operators, prevent accidents, and secure cargo. This technology ensures our transport operations are safe and reliable, fostering strong communication and trust with our clients.

Q: What sustainability initiatives has Super Transporte Internacional adopted?

A: We renew our fleet every 550,000km or 3.5 years to ensure compliance with the latest emission standards. This includes adopting new truck engines with better CO2 performance. Upgrading to environmentally advanced trucks helps us reduce emissions.

We follow both Mexican and US regulations, aligning with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and European Union standards. We also invest in practices like proper hazardous waste disposal, with a dedicated MX$2 million (US$$103,400) storage facility, and internal recycling programs. We also strive to be paperless, reducing unnecessary printing and using electronic documents. Super Transporte Internacional also supports the development of renewable energy projects by transporting clean energy infrastructure, such as solar panels and wind turbines. 

Q: What training programs do you offer to ensure retention and that your team remains at the forefront of industry standards?

A: Training is crucial for us, given the high turnover rate in the industry. We continuously develop new training programs to keep up with regulations and internal practices, especially regarding road safety and compliance with standards like NOM 087. Our HR team focuses on robust training programs and regular follow-ups. We emphasize road safety because we prioritize the safety and well-being of our operators. This also helps protect our assets and, more importantly, operators’ lives.

To improve retention, we are committed to increasing operator salaries and providing additional benefits like life insurance, savings funds, and retirement plans. We also involve operators' families in activities, such as simulator sessions, to enhance their connection to the company. These efforts aim to create a supportive and stable work environment, which is essential for retaining our team.

Q: What are the biggest challenges Super Transporte Internacional faces in the transportation industry, and how is the company addressing them?

A: One of our biggest challenges is the driver shortage. We are investing heavily in training new drivers, offering scholarships and providing internal training programs. Our training institute includes a simulator to help new drivers gain experience and meet all regulatory requirements for obtaining a federal license. We also focus on training female drivers, who have demonstrated excellence in their performance and also commitment.

Security is another significant challenge, as cases of theft have increased in recent years. We have adapted by modifying routes, logistical operations, and delivery schedules to ensure the safety of our operators and cargo. This includes adhering to regulations like NOM 087, which governs drivers' hours of service.

We also work to retain our drivers by improving their working conditions, offering competitive salaries, and emphasizing the dignity and importance of their profession. Despite these challenges, we see opportunities in the industry and remain committed to fostering a supportive and attractive environment for new generations of drivers.

Q: Which of Super Transporte Internacional’s services are seeing the most significant increase in demand, and from which industries?

A: We have seen a significant increase in demand from the automotive industry, particularly driven by nearshoring. Nuevo Leon is growing due to its strategic location and proximity to the US border. The north of the country, the Bajio, and other parts of Mexico have seen an influx of Asian companies, bringing more opportunities for the logistics industry.

Foreign direct investment in Mexico continues to grow, driven by nearshoring. Companies like Tesla and BYD are interested in establishing operations in Mexico, along with recent announcements from Volvo Trucks. This trend is likely to continue, boosting our sector and the country's economy as a whole. We are preparing for increased demand and the opportunities it will bring for the transportation sector and customs.

Q: What trends do you foresee shaping the future of the transportation industry, and how is Super Transporte Internacional preparing to stay ahead of these trends?

A: We anticipate significant growth driven by nearshoring, especially in Nuevo Leon. To stay ahead, STI is expanding its infrastructure, acquiring land in Monterrey for a terminal and expanding our facilities in Nuevo Laredo. We are also upgrading our fleet to enhance service capacity, which will reduce maintenance issues and increase operational efficiency. Other priorities include providing ongoing training for our operators and strengthening our team.

We are preparing for increased demand and leveraging opportunities in northeast Mexico along the Texas border, ensuring we are well-positioned for future growth.

Q: What are Super Transporte Internacional's plans, goals, or objectives for the remainder of this year and next year? 

A: Super Transporte Internacional plans to expand into Austin, Texas, capitalizing on our relationship with Tesla and its suppliers. We also aim to establish a presence in Canada by 2025 to enhance our door-to-door services across North America. Our goals include consolidating our group of companies, which includes ESL and BTS, and obtaining certifications, such as CTPAT, OEA, and ISO. 

Other key initiatives involve expanding our facilities in Nuevo Laredo, Monterrey, and Silao. We are preparing for growth opportunities linked to infrastructure expansions along the Mexico-US border, including some at the World Trade Bridge and the Colombia Bridge. Despite economic challenges, we plan to leverage the growing consumer markets in the United States and Mexico to drive our expansion and remain competitive.

Super Transporte Internacional is dedicated to managing general cargo, specialized cargo, oversized cargo, and the transportation of finished vehicles.