Strategic Growth Through the Right Investments in Logistics

Q: What role does Mexico play in Mainfreight’s overall global operations, and how does the country contribute to the company’s strategic goals?

A: Mexico is crucial for Mainfreight’s operations. We have built a local team that understands the market, laws, and regulations, enabling us to provide high-quality services. Mexico’s location is key, particularly given its proximity to the United States, one of our largest markets. We manage all our operations in Latin America from our offices in Mexico and Chile. We plan to expand further in the region in 2025 or 2026.

Mainfreight is set apart by our team. For us, customer service is not just a department — it is an attitude. We emphasize close, personalized attention, with operations executives maintaining direct daily contact with clients. Our key differentiator as a freight forwarder is the level of customer service we provide.

Q: What specific logistics services does Mainfreight offer in Mexico, and how do these services cater to the unique needs of the market? 

A: Mainfreight offers four main services in Mexico: air, maritime, land, and warehousing. Our air transport services handle general cargo, charters, and hand carriers. Our maritime services manage both full-container and consolidated cargo. The land transportation division focuses on less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments within the United States and full truckload (FTL) services directly from anywhere in Mexico to the United States. Our office in Mexico allows us to receive cargo from any of the 27 countries where we operate globally. This geographical advantage enables us to offer comprehensive logistics solutions across all four service areas.

Q: What role does technology play in Mainfreight, and how does it enhance efficiency and visibility within the supply chain? 

A: Technology is crucial for us. We use CargoWise, a widely recognized system in the industry, to manage all shipments, ensuring impeccable traceability and tracking. This system allows us to provide real-time updates to clients, with data shared globally across all Mainfreight offices. We also invest heavily in cybersecurity to protect both our own and our clients’ data. We conduct regular training for our team, including simulated phishing tests, to ensure high levels of security. We invest millions of dollars annually in technology to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Q: What sustainability initiatives or programs is the company implementing to reduce its environmental impact? 

A: Mainfreight is engaging in several initiatives to reduce its global environmental impact. In Australia, for example, we have implemented rainwater collection systems for truck washing, while in the European Union, we are equipping warehouse roofs with solar panels to promote renewable energy. We also track and report CO2 emissions from our shipments, providing customers with data to help them make more sustainable choices.

We are expanding our fleet of EVs with 30 new electric trucks, introduced in the United States this year. We are working toward introducing a larger fleet of zero-emission vehicles across all regions. We aim to increase solar power capacity to 12,000kW globally, install battery systems at our sites, and continue our efforts in carbon tracking for both our operations and our customers.

Mainfreight’s sustainability goals also include significant capital investments through 2026, focusing on climate mitigation, self-sufficiency, and risk adaptation. We plan to further reduce CO2 emissions and implement more hydrogen and low-emission fuel options in our logistics operations, aiming to have over 100 zero-emission vehicles in our fleet. These actions, combined with strategic investments in infrastructure and technology, reflect our ongoing commitment to supporting a more sustainable logistics industry while meeting future climate and regulatory standards.

Q: What are the main industries and services that Mainfreight is prioritizing in Mexico? 

A: Mexico’s automotive industry has always been a key priority for us, particularly since it led us to open an office in Queretaro to serve the Bajio region. The automotive sector is essential in freight forwarding, and we remain committed to it. We are also expanding into other sectors, and we have a strong presence in Australia helping local businesses import Mexican products like tequila and mezcal. We also recently tapped into the aerospace sector. The tourism sector is a growing priority, especially in the Riviera Maya, where we handle a variety of imports to support the region’s booming tourism industry. We differentiate ourselves by offering exceptional service rather than just cost-based solutions. While automotive remains critical, we remain flexible and open to other sectors that align with our service-driven approach.

Q: How has nearshoring impacted Mainfreight’s operational strategies in Mexico, and in what ways has the company adapted its services and approach to capitalize on this trend? 

A: Nearshoring has gained attention as companies look to bring their production closer to their markets to avoid disruptions. The trend has intensified with the arrival of larger companies, leading to more demand for storage solutions, but we have not seen a major impact on transport volumes.

Nearshoring has influenced our focus on warehousing. We believe that while this trend is valuable, we should not overlook the importance of the trans-Pacific route, especially given the challenges at ports like Manzanillo and Veracruz. Investing in the southeastern part of Mexico and promoting these ports could provide significant opportunities, particularly in light of recent developments in the Panama Canal. Our San Diego office also helps us serve regions like Baja California.

Q: What are the key challenges Mainfreight faces in the Mexican market, and how does the company plan to overcome them? 

A: Port congestion and limited transportation security are key challenges. While we have managed to avoid delays, port saturation remains a significant issue that is largely tied to infrastructure limitations. Once cargo is cleared from the ports, we encounter challenges in both road and rail transport. On the road, security is a major concern, though we have been fortunate not to be directly impacted. Rail transport also faces capacity issues, further complicating logistics. 

There are many areas that can be improved in the Mexican market, such as road transportation. A major opportunity lies in education, particularly in transportation-related fields. There are few programs focused on transport careers, especially for operators and those managing them. Training drivers and their supervisors could address issues like overloaded trucks, which contribute to accidents and reduce braking efficiency. 

Q: What trends do you foresee shaping the future of the logistics industry in Mexico, and how is Mainfreight preparing to adapt to these changes to maintain its competitive edge? 

A: The future of logistics in Mexico is closely tied to both foreign and domestic investments. We are entering a new era with significant leadership changes, which could lead to exciting opportunities if the right decisions are made to foster economic growth. But external factors, such as potential tariff increases or price hikes on goods from other countries, may pose challenges. Macroeconomic conditions and political decisions worldwide, including fluctuations in exchange rates, will impact the industry. Mainfreight will remain flexible and focused on adapting to these shifts, ensuring we are prepared for any challenges that arise.

Q: What are Mainfreight’s growth plans for Mexico and Latin America, and what new services or expansions can customers expect in the near term? 

A: We are planning significant expansion in Mexico. We have offices in Mexico City and Queretaro, but next year we aim to open two more offices in Guadalajara and Monterrey. Both cities offer key advantages: Guadalajara’s proximity to Manzanillo makes it an ideal hub for air freight, while Monterrey’s closeness to the US border will strengthen our cross-border services. 

We have also recently opened our first office in India, marking a key step in expanding our global presence. As we continue to grow, our goal is to enhance our proximity to customers and offer the high-quality service Mainfreight is known for.

Mainfreight is a global logistics provider that specializes in managed warehousing, domestic and cross-border transport, and international freight forwarding. It has teams and branches across Australia, Asia, the European Union, New Zealand, and the Americas.