Mexico and the Rise of Ground Transportation in International Trade

Mexico is a logistical giant. Its strategic geographical position —between North America and Latin America— makes it a critical hub for international trade.
However, one fact stands out above all: the majority of Mexican exports and imports travel by road. 

Even in 2025, trucks continue to be the primary drivers of Mexico's foreign trade. 

According to the latest data from INEGI – Foreign Trade Statistics by Mode of Transport (2024): 

Two out of three Mexican exports utilize the road network as their primary outbound route.

Furthermore, when examining trade with the United States, the trend becomes even more pronounced: In March 2025, trucks accounted for 75% of the total bilateral trade value, equivalent to US$55.6 billion in a single month.

The predominance of ground transportation in Mexico is not coincidental.
Behind these figures lie structural and logistical factors:

• Proximity to the United States: over 3,000 km of shared border facilitate the daily flow of goods.
• Developed Infrastructure: there are over 45 international road crossings.
• Operational Flexibility: truck transport enables door-to-door deliveries, reduced transit times, and enhanced traceability.
• Productive Integration: a significant portion of North American trade operates under just-in-time models, where the agility of truck transport is essential.

The significance of ground transportation is best understood by examining the country's economic geography.

According to Mordor Intelligence, 2025:

• The northern border states generate the majority of cargo traffic due to the automotive and electronics clusters supplying U.S. plants.
  Laredo alone processes nearly 3 million trucks annually, with a trade value of US$30.5 million in March 2025.
  Recent automation has reduced crossing times to 90 minutes, solidifying its logistical dominance.
• The central regions serve as a link between agriculture and manufacturing, leveraging the bypasses of the National Highway Plan (35 billion pesos in investment) which alleviate congestion in the Valley of Mexico.
• The Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec is beginning to redistribute cargo from the Pacific to Veracruz, generating new multimodal routes.
• In the south, tourism expansion indirectly boosts the transport capacity for consumer goods and fuel.

These specific characteristics enhance the resilience and diversification of the Mexican road transport market, which is crucial for logistical stability and regional risk management. 

The accelerated growth of land transport also presents new challenges.
Among the primary operational risks identified are: 

• Increased exposure to road incidents and cargo theft, particularly in high-traffic corridors. 
• Stricter customs controls and enhanced documentary traceability, necessitating secure and digitized processes. 
• Congestion at logistics terminals and infrastructure disparities, which can lead to efficiency losses and increased operational costs. 

In 2025, international cargo transport in Mexico remains predominantly land-based. Trucking continues to be the essential link for global trade, driven by its efficiency and integration with the U.S. market. 

The future points towards more technological, sustainable, and competitive logistics.
But one thing is certain: Mexico will continue to move the world, kilometer by kilometer. 

At Hanseatica, we support companies driving international trade with comprehensive coverage tailored for the Mexican market.
Our offerings include: 

• International Cargo Transport Insurance 
• Container Insurance 
• Civil Liability Insurance for Logistics Operators 

Our focus is to protect every link in the logistics chain, ensuring operational continuity, financial foresight, and confidence in increasingly risky environments 

Because in the new landscape of global trade, securing the route is securing growth. 

At Hanseatica, we protect the routes that connect your business to the world.
Discover how our specialized insurance solutions can strengthen your logistics chain and provide the confidence you need to continue growing. Contact us!