Cross-Border Set to Boom

With 3.9 million tons of cargo passing between the US and Mexico every year (a number that is expected to almost double by the year 2050) the relationship between the two countries still requires a deft hand to guide cargo back and forth. Over the last six years, cross-border cargo has been a frequent topic of discussion as rules and regulations morphed from NAFTA to the USMCA, and the industry worked diligently to adapt. In the next twenty-two years, the trade will grow exponentially but only if it’s accompanied by the infrastructure required to meet that demand. 

A quick snapshot of the Texas Department of Transporation’s Master Plan paints a bright picture of the future of trade between US and Mexico, including:

• In 2021 6 million trucks crossed the border; 2050 is expected to reach 12 million trucks  
• In 2021 420,000 loaded rail containers crossed; 2050 is expected to reach 2.5 million rail containers
• In 2019, high-technology shipments* totaled 135 billion; 2050 is expected to reach $651 billion
  • Other top shipments – 
    • Motor Vehicles from $88 billion in 2019 to $187 billion, 
    • Industrial Machinery from $56 billion to $170 billion,  
    • Fresh Produce and Grains from $14 billion to $93 billion,
    • Manufactured Goods from $15 billion to $61 billion, 

In 2019 border crossing delays caused $68 million in loss; 2050 could reach $4.4 billion if efficiency improvements aren’t consistently made as trade grows. There are twenty-eight tractor trailer bridges and six rail-only bridges that connect across the border, each a critical point of entry and exit that can have a massive ripple effect out to the other points if there is a disruption or delay that occurs, driving the need for infrastructure and planning while growing. 

With warehouse space at a premium due to inventory management issues that arose during the pandemic, a logistics provider should offer clients the space they need and the technology options they want to manage their cargo with up to the minute details and cutting-edge security solutions to protect your investment and equipment. 

The quickening pace of growth on the southern border means the future needs an experienced logistics partner to help guide your plan. BIG Logistics has been your authority on the cross-border logistics updates and we’re not planning to stop. It’s our goal to make your US/MEX cargo the most efficient and painless shipment possible. With our experts, we can help you plan for distribution, trans-shipment, inventory management, and just-in-time manufacturing schedules. If you want the security of knowing your cargo moves in expert hands, contact BIG Logistics today and let’s get moving.

*High-technology exports include products in aerospace, computers, pharmaceuticals, scientific instruments and electrical machinery.