Can you update us on Leschaco Mexicana’s activities in the past year?

Our global services, including air and sea freight, warehousing, and distribution, remain the foundation of our business. This year we saw growth in air freight, with over 40% growth compared to 2023. We also focus on expanding cross-border trade, especially along the northern US border, with new entry points like Matamoros, which serves the chemical industry. We are also targeting growth in the pharmaceutical industry. Mexico plays a crucial role in importing and exporting pharmaceuticals, and we see significant potential in the medical equipment sector. We focus on air freight for pharmaceutical and automotive industries, often requiring urgent and time-sensitive shipments.

What are the leading logistics challenges in Mexico?

Security is a concern, but it has not been a significant direct issue for us. Our company has an extremely low rate of theft, around 0.01%. Transportation providers face security challenges, which impact insurance premiums and service costs. Regarding infrastructure, we continue to face challenges due to congestion at ports. For example, Manzanillo's new northern entrance has already saturated despite recent investments. In Veracruz, the issue lies in insufficient customs operations. Currently, customs work only from 9 AM to 6 PM; extending customs hours to 24 hours would double the capacity for clearing goods and make a significant difference. The government is listening more to the industry now, and I hope these issues can be addressed. The biggest challenge at the U.S.-Mexico border is the need for more operators.

How do you view the new government’s approach to the logistics sector? 

The new government in Mexico seems more open to addressing logistical issues. They are more willing to listen and engage with the industry, especially in the chemical sector. The government seems willing to act, which is a positive sign. However, infrastructure investments, like expanding ports, take years, and sometimes the pace of industry growth outpaces the investments. Rail logistics in Mexico is an interesting development. There has been a shift in how rail companies handle their operations, particularly with an increasing focus on working with third-party logistics providers like us. There has been significant investment in rail infrastructure, and we are now seeing services more aligned with other transport modes like air and sea freight. This creates an excellent opportunity for logistics providers, as rail can offer cost-effective and environmentally sustainable options. However, the main issue is that Mexico's rail infrastructure still needs to be developed. 

How do you approach sustainability in your logistics operations?

We are actively working on offering more sustainable solutions to our clients, such as exploring electric transport options, although these are still in the early stages. We are also looking at increasing our use of rail transport, which is slower but more sustainable. Additionally, we are focusing on offering multimodal transport options, which combine the strengths of different transport methods. These services help reduce costs and improve sustainability, particularly in terms of emissions. We aim to offer flexible solutions based on whether our clients prioritize cost or speed.

Can you elaborate on the 4PL/LLP platform’s rollout in Mexico?

The 4PL/LLP platform is a global solution that provides visibility throughout the entire supply chain, from the initial purchase order to delivery at the destination. It tracks shipments with real-time alerts, ensuring everything is on track and meets the required standards. What is crucial is the handling of big data—using that data not just to track shipments but also to offer logistical improvements. In Latin America, where we have strong growth, the platform is helping logistics directors make better decisions across the region by providing detailed insights and facilitating more efficient distribution. It is not about inventing something new but about offering a practical, efficient solution that leverages data for improvements.

What are your expectations for 2025?

We expect 2025 to be a challenging year due to a complex macroeconomic environment, but we are optimistic about finding opportunities. We will continue the growth of air freight and strengthening our business with the United States, where we are seeing substantial development. Additionally, we will continue developing our relationships in Asia. Ultimately, we are committed to supporting our clients by moving their logistics and ensuring we remain adaptable to the changing dynamics of global trade.