Intermodal transportation in Mexico is advancing as a sustainable and efficient solution. Multimodal Solutions Cargo stands out in this growth, promoting logistics models that reduce costs, emissions and improve traceability.
In recent years, intermodal transportation has gained relevance as an efficient and sustainable logistics solution in Mexico. This modality strategically combines different types of transportation -road, rail and sea- optimizing delivery times and significantly reducing costs. According to data provided by the Mexican Intermodal Transport Association(AMTI), the sector has shown remarkable growth. In 2023, cross-border intermodal transportation registered a 12% growth, while domestic and maritime modes increased by 31% and 25%, respectively. This momentum is a direct reflection of growing business interest in operational efficiency and logistics cost reduction.
One of the key companies in this growth is Multimodal Solutions Cargo, led by Joss Romero, who has more than 20 years of experience in the logistics industry. According to Joss, success in intermodal logistics lies in management precision and the professionalization of human talent. His company has prioritized collaboration with both suppliers and its internal team, thus managing to offer integrated and highly customized logistics solutions. However, the expansion of intermodal transportation is not without its challenges. These include the lack of rail infrastructure in certain regions, which limits the penetration of this mode in some markets. Joss mentions that a key aspect to face these challenges is transparency with customers, establishing clear and realistic expectations about the benefits of intermodal transport, emphasizing that a change of mentality is fundamental to obtain different and better results.
A clear example of the successful implementation of intermodal solutions is the case of a customer in Baja California Norte. Originally dependent on road transportation, it achieved a transition from 13.5% to 80% conversion of its cargo to the intermodal model. This resulted in a 25% reduction in logistics costs, a reduction of up to 80% in physical custody through virtual tracking technologies, and a reduction of approximately 45% in CO2 emissions on routes such as Mexicali-Mexico. In addition, it significantly improved efficiency in first- and last-mile operations, reducing congestion and optimizing times. Joss emphasizes that sustainability is a central axis of intermodal transport, as the combination of road and rail transport can reduce polluting emissions by up to 85% compared to road transport alone. For example, the Interpacifico route with Ferromex, which covers nearly 3,000 kilometers between Mexico and Mexicali, represents a considerably lower environmental impact by using an intermodal train instead of 240 trucks, while optimizing the local management of the units needed for the first and last mile.
Finally, Multimodal Solutions Cargo 's future objectives include expanding operations in the Bajío region and possibly investing in its own container fleet. This will enable the company to increase its operational capacity and reinforce its commitment to comprehensive, sustainable and highly efficient logistics solutions.
Original article written by Mónica Herrera, editor at Inbound Logistics Latampublished in Issue 172, Volume 17, pages 18-21.
