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Cross-border trade is booming. Infrastructure is catching up.
Nearshoring isn’t just a strategy anymore. As manufacturers shift production closer to U.S. customers, Mexico has become a key node in the modern North American supply chain. Cross-border freight is up. Full truckload volumes are rising. And infrastructure along major corridors is feeling the strain.
Here’s what’s driving the shift and what it means for logistics teams focused on agility and supply chain cost management.
Mexico recently became the U.S.’s top trading partner. In 2024, U.S.–Mexico trade reached $808 billion, and over 70% of that moved by truck. Border cities like Laredo, El Paso, and Otay Mesa are now handling more volume than ever. Laredo alone moved more freight by value than any other U.S. port.
Automotive, electronics, and industrial freight are leading the charge. These shifts aren’t just about exports from Mexico. U.S. shippers are also sending more southbound freight to support expanding production just across the border.
Trucks remain the primary mode for nearshoring freight. In early 2025, cross-border truck freight rose more than 10% year over year, outpacing rail and ocean.
FTL transport continues to dominate thanks to its speed, flexibility, and direct delivery advantage. Most nearshoring strategies rely on frequent, point-to-point shipments. Truck crossings from Mexico into the U.S. are still climbing and show no sign of slowing.
For many shippers, FTL transport also plays a key role in managing supply chain costs when timing and reliability are critical.
Freight growth is outpacing the capacity to support it. Border infrastructure is under pressure, and industrial real estate near key crossings is tightening fast.
In Laredo, vacancy rates fell below 4%. Developers responded by tripling warehouse construction in 2025. New space is being added across border markets to meet growing demand for cross-docks, FTZs, and staging areas.
The I-35 corridor is seeing a wave of investment, with more freight being routed through inland hubs like San Antonio and Kansas City.
Nearshoring is real, and it's reshaping how freight moves through North America. Production is closer. Timelines are tighter. Pressure on infrastructure is rising. And full truckload networks are becoming more complex.
For logistics teams, managing nearshoring successfully requires more than lane coverage. A connected platform that supports sourcing, visibility, FTL transport, and spot freight execution can make the difference between reactive moves and strategic supply chain cost management.
The right strategy starts with the right tools.
