What is the most used freight transportation method in Mexico? 

Did you know that freight transport is an essential activity for Mexico's economy, moving around 83.2% of total goods?   

 

Por eso, elegir el medio de transporte de acuerdo con la carga, destino y presupuesto puede ser un reto para las empresas de logística, que deben optimizar sus operaciones y reducir sus costos. 

De allí que existen diversos medios de traslado en México, desde las carreteras hasta los rieles, pasando por los mares y el aire. Cada uno tiene sus ventajas y desventajas, dependiendo de factores como la distancia, el volumen, el peso, la seguridad, la rapidez y el impacto ambiental. 

Desconocer sus características y beneficios puede conducir a un gran riesgo en las negociaciones además de retrasos y extra-costos. 

Para ayudarte a elegir el más adecuado para tu empresa, hemos preparado este artículo. ¿Te interesa saber más? Entonces sigue leyendoDid you know that freight transport is an essential activity for Mexico's economy, moving around 83.2% of total goods? 

 

Therefore, choosing the transportation method based on the cargo, destination, and budget can be a challenge for logistics companies, which need to optimize their operations and reduce costs. 

 

There are various transportation methods in Mexico, from roads to rails, through seas and air. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on factors such as distance, volume, weight, safety, speed, and environmental impact. 

 

Not knowing their characteristics and benefits can lead to significant risks in negotiations, as well as delays and additional costs. 

 

To help you choose the most suitable for your company, we have prepared this article. Interested in learning more? Then keep reading. 

The three main freight transport methods in Mexico 

Mexico is a country with significant commercial activity, both internally and externally. 

 

To move goods from one place to another, three different transportation methods are used: maritime, air, and land. 

 

Speaking of Mexico's reach, we have various Maritime Ports, Airports, and Inland Ports. 

 

For selection, it is necessary to consider multiple factors such as the type of cargo, distance, specific route, associated costs, but most importantly, the delivery commitment to define the best mode for the process. 

Maritime freight transport 

Through an extensive network of ports on both coasts, Mexico benefits from the advantages this transportation method offers for commerce and logistics. 

 

As we have mentioned in other articles, the country has over 11,000 kilometers of coastline spread across the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf of California, and the Caribbean Sea. 

 

Indeed, this geographical privilege provides access to the world's major markets in America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. 

 

Moreover, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), maritime transport represents 7% of the total goods moved in the country, equivalent to over 300 million tons per year. 

 

It is divided into two types: deep-sea and cabotage. The former refers to transport between national and foreign ports, while the latter is conducted between national ports. 

 

Both require suitable port infrastructure to facilitate loading and unloading operations, as well as a fleet of ships meeting quality, safety, and efficiency standards. 

 

An interesting fact is that Mexico's port infrastructure comprises 117 ports, of which 16 are deep-sea and 101 are cabotage. 

 

The fleet consists of 145 shipping lines, of which 124 provide deep-sea services and 21 cabotage. 

Air freight transport 

Although air transport can be more expensive than other options, its efficiency and speed are often worth it. 

 

Furthermore, constant improvements in information technology, space offerings in various aircraft configurations, and enhancements in loading processes help reduce costs, making it more accessible for businesses, especially for critical shipments. 

 

INEGI mentions that in 2023, 1.1 million tons of air cargo were transported in Mexico, representing a 28.9% increase compared to 2020, when there was a significant drop due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

The country boasts a wide infrastructure, including 77 international airports and 64 national ones. 

 

Despite appearing smaller compared to ships or trucks, cargo planes often transport significant amounts of goods, from small packages to large shipments. 

 

This makes them ideal for businesses in various sectors, including the automotive industry, perishable products, high-tech industries like electronics, and e-commerce or parcel services. 

Land freight transport 

Land transport in Mexico is a key component of the country's logistics chain, offering versatility, speed, and accessibility for moving goods. That's why it represents the most used transportation method in the country, accounting for 83.2% of the total goods moved. 

 

With its ability to adapt to the changing market needs and reach any destination, this option will continue to play a vital role in the Mexican economy. 

 

Currently, it has an extensive road network of over 355,000 kilometers and a wide variety of vehicles, such as trucks, trailers, and semitrailers. However, there are also some drawbacks, such as high fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, tolls, taxes, and insurance. 

 

There are also risks like accidents, theft, cargo damage, and delays due to traffic or weather conditions. 

 

We must not overlook another type of land transport, the railway, which accounts for 5.8% of the total goods moved. 

 

This is due to its high efficiency, safety, and low cost, as well as its ability to transport large volumes of cargo, especially mineral, agricultural, and industrial products. 

Why choose land transport? 

When it comes to moving goods from one place to another, companies have several options available. 

 

However, many opt for land transport for compelling reasons. 

 

Firstly, the versatility of land transport makes it an attractive option for a wide range of businesses. Whether it's an urgent delivery of perishable goods or the transport of bulky items, vehicles can be configured to meet any requirement. 

 

Unlike maritime, which takes weeks or even months, or air, which is costly, land transport allows for shorter times, especially for domestic or nearby region shipments. This means companies can meet tight deadlines and efficiently fulfill customer demands. 

 

Another reason companies choose the land option is its accessibility. It can reach practically any destination, even remote or hard-to-access areas, ensuring no goods are out of reach. 

 

Finally, land transport offers greater control over the security and integrity of the cargo. Units are closely always monitored, and scheduled stops ensure cargo safety. This detail is important for sensitive or high-value goods. 

Competitive advantages of land freight transport 

As you can see, land freight transport provides multiple advantages for companies needing to move their goods efficiently, safely, and economically. Some of the most notable are: 

 

• Flexibility. Trucks can access a wide variety of destinations, including remote or hard-to-access areas, allowing companies to adapt to specific customer demands.
• Speed. Aunque es más lento que el transporte aéreo, el terrestre es más rápido que el marítimo. Esto es especialmente ventajoso para envíos dentro del país o en distancias cortas, donde los camiones ofrecen tiempos de tránsito más rápidos y cumplen con plazos ajustados. 
• Cost. Maintaining truck operations is more economical, potentially resulting in more competitive freight rates for companies.
• Safety. Cargo trucks have advanced security measures for close monitoring at all times. Additionally, professional drivers are trained to ensure cargo integrity during transport.
• Capacity. Vehicles can transport a wide variety of goods, from small packages to large and even oversized loads. This makes them ideal for companies of all sizes and industrial sectors.
• Accessibility. Thanks to an extensive road network, they can reach any destination, even remote or hard-to-access areas.
• Sustainability. Current demand requires trucks to be equipped with more efficient engines and emission-reduction technologies, helping to reduce the environmental impact of land freight transport.

 

In conclusion, the most used freight transport in Mexico depends on various factors, but land transport emerges as the undisputed leader. It will always be the choice for last-mile delivery. 

 

Its versatility, access to remote areas, and ability to adapt to a wide range of needs make it the preferred option for many companies in the country. 

 

If you're looking to optimize your logistics operations and make the most of the advantages of land transport, don't hesitate to contact KENSA Logistics. We are industry leaders, ready to offer you customized solutions that drive your company's success.