A Strategic Approach to Logistics Drives Competitiveness
STORY INLINE POST
Q: What sets CEVA Logistics apart from other companies in the sector, and what key factors differentiate your services and approach?
A: CEVA Logistics stands out as a global leader thanks to its comprehensive service portfolio that includes contract logistics, ground, air and ocean freight, finished vehicle logistics, and customs brokerage. Operating in over 170 countries, we leverage both global reach and local expertise to deliver tailored solutions. In Mexico, we have over 2,000 employees across 23 locations, handling over 14,000 tons of air freight and 32,000 TEUs in ocean transport. Our contract logistics operations span 350,000m2 of warehousing and distribution centers.
What differentiates CEVA Logistics is our ability to adapt to each customer’s strategy, providing customized logistics solutions rather than just standard services. Our sector-wide expertise and extensive network ensure we meet diverse industry needs effectively.
Q: How has Mexico’s strategic position evolved within CEVA Logistics’ global operations, and what key factors drive its growing importance?
A: Mexico plays a strategic role in CEVA Logistics’ global network, driven by nearshoring and its proximity to the United States. We offer a full range of logistics services in the country, including air, ocean, rail, and road freight, as well as finished vehicle and contract logistics.
Our contract logistics operations span the country from north to south, with strategically located distribution centers that bring our customers closer to their end consumers. Over the past five years, Mexico has become increasingly vital within our framework, leading to significant investments to support growing demand.
Q: What role does contract logistics play within Mexico?
A: Contract logistics in Mexico goes beyond traditional warehousing; it is about optimizing distribution through technology, automation, and robotics to enhance efficiency and reduce costs for our customers. We focus on inventory management, ensuring secure storage, timely distribution, and precise order fulfillment.
As a critical link in the supply chain, contract logistics integrates procurement, distribution, and multimodal transport solutions. CEVA Logistics has made significant investments in this area, positioning us as the third-largest provider globally.
Q: What role does technology and automation play in enhancing efficiency and visibility within CEVA’s operations?
A: Technology and automation are essential to CEVA Logistics’ strategy for enhancing efficiency and visibility. We invest in AI, IoT, and robotics to optimize operations, reduce labor costs, and drive continuous improvement.
Through partnerships with leading research institutions and our own innovation center, we test and implement cutting-edge solutions. In Mexico, traditionally seen as a low-cost labor market, we are shifting the focus toward technology-driven competitiveness. By integrating proven innovations from high-labor-cost countries, we help our customers stay ahead through automation rather than relying solely on manual processes.
Q: Which sectors within your industry portfolio have demonstrated the strongest performance, and what key factors have driven their success?
A: Our strongest-performing sectors are automotive, consumer goods, and electronics, driven by manufacturing growth and investment in Mexico. However, we also serve industries like health, aerospace, oil and gas, and consumer digital.
While we aim to support a broad customer base, we focus on sectors where we can meet industry-specific demands at the highest standards. Globally, our extensive network allows us to leverage expertise across industries, ensuring we stay ahead of market needs.
Q: How is CEVA Logistics strategically positioning itself to maximize the opportunities presented by nearshoring?
A: Nearshoring is more than just a trend; it is a key factor shaping global supply chains. Our customers now recognize how strategic logistics can enhance their competitiveness by improving speed, agility, and market proximity.
CEVA Logistics works closely with global manufacturers to streamline their entry and expansion in Mexico, guiding them through regulatory and operational complexities. Over the past five years, manufacturing in Mexico has seen a major shift, and we have positioned ourselves as a strategic partner to accelerate implementation and optimize connections — particularly to the United States and Canada. Nearshoring is here to stay, and we are well-positioned to capitalize on its continued growth.
Q: Which services are most in demand from the top-performing sectors in your industry portfolio, and what drives this demand?
A: Our most in-demand services include air, ocean, road, and rail freight, supported by a strong global infrastructure that enables fast, efficient solutions. In Mexico, our extensive road and rail distribution networks are key assets. Within contract logistics, we have heavily invested in technology-driven warehousing, enhancing efficiency. Additionally, we provide value-added services such as packaging, labeling, quality control, and reverse logistics, all tailored to our customers’ strategic needs rather than just basic storage and distribution.
Q: What new capabilities and efficiencies will the company achieve following the integration of Bolloré Logistics?
A: The integration of Bolloré Logistics is a key step in CEVA Logistics’ strategic expansion, complementing previous acquisitions like GEFCO and Stellar Value Chain. Beyond increasing our scale, it enhances our sector diversification, strengthens customer relationships, and broadens our global network. This acquisition brings valuable expertise and talent, allowing us to offer more comprehensive solutions. While Bolloré is a major milestone, our goal remains to become the global leader in logistics, continuously enhancing our capabilities through strategic investments.
Q: What low-carbon, eco-friendly solutions is CEVA Logistics introducing?
A: Sustainability is a core priority for CEVA Logistics and the CMA CGM Group. We are actively reducing our carbon footprint through initiatives such as biofuels and EV adoption for mores sustainable transportation. In contract logistics, we have installed solar panels at our warehouses located in State of Mexico and Chihuahua, also implemented energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems in our warehouses to minimize emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future. As part of the CMA CGM Group, CEVA has a goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and we are making significant strides toward that target. We also collaborate with customers on circular economy logistics solutions, including reverse logistics, waste reduction, and sustainable packaging. In Mexico, we have a dedicated operation in Mexico City focused on these initiatives.
Q: What are the most significant challenges CEVA Logistics faces in Mexico, and what strategies does the company employ to navigate them while maintaining a competitive edge?
A: In Mexico, CEVA Logistics focuses on expanding and enhancing warehouse capabilities, leveraging AI and IoT for process optimization and growing through strategic M&A to strengthen our reach. Key challenges include the need for agility in a dynamic business environment, high labor turnover, and evolving customs and brokerage regulations. To navigate these, CEVA Logistics prioritizes workforce development, technological investments, and proactive risk management. By maintaining a strategy of diversification, flexibility, and forward planning, the company remains well-positioned to support customers with tailored solutions amid these challenges.
Q: What are your expectations for the future of Mexico's logistics industry, and what role will CEVA Logistics play in it?
A: Our ambition is to become the global leader in logistics and, to achieve that, we are focusing on several key areas. First, we are leveraging emerging technologies like AI and IoT to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and create game-changing logistics solutions. Staying ahead of technological advances is essential to maintaining our competitive edge.
Sustainability is another priority. We are committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, investing in sustainable practices, and working closely with customers to implement sustainable transport and logistics solutions.
We are also expanding our end-to-end solutions globally, and Mexico plays a critical role in this strategy. The country is in a prime position to attract global attention, with a strong talent pool, a strategic geographical location, and a key trade relationship with the United States. Our footprint in Mexico is well-established, allowing us to serve multiple industries efficiently and contribute to the country’s growing logistics sector.
Q: What key factors will define a successful year for CEVA Logistics in 2025?
A: Success in 2025 will be determined by three key factors. First, delivering on our commitments to customers remains our top priority. Second, we must stay proactive in navigating industry disruptions by anticipating challenges and preparing for different scenarios.
Third, investing in our employees is crucial. Developing talent and fostering engagement will position us for long-term growth. Our goal is to enhance employee satisfaction and solidify CEVA Logistics as a Top Employer, ensuring a strong, motivated workforce that drives our success.
CEVA Logistics, a world leader in third-party logistics, provides global supply chain solutions to connect people, products and providers all around the world. Headquartered in Marseille, France, CEVA Logistics offers a broad range of end-to-end, customized solutions in contract logistics and air, ocean, ground and finished vehicle transport in 170 countries worldwide thanks to its approximately 110,000 employees at approximately 1,500 facilities.








By Adriana Alarcón | Journalist & Industry Analyst -
Mon, 02/24/2025 - 10:00




