Echo, DP World and Henglong signal deepening US-Mexico trade integration

Echo Global Logistics has formally expanded its Mexico division by integrating domestic transportation capabilities with its existing cross-border operations, customs brokerage and warehousing services. The Chicago-based third-party logistics provider unveiled the new suite of intra-Mexico services, which includes city-to-city freight, port drayage and intermodal solutions, designed to offer shippers a single integrated supply chain partner.

The move solidifies Echo’s position in a region experiencing rapid growth driven by nearshoring trends and increasing trade flows between the United States and Mexico. Troy Ryley, president of Echo Mexico, stated that the expansion allows customers to manage freight movements across the border and within Mexico without navigating fragmented suppliers. Ruben Gamboa, director of commercial development for Mexico and the southern border, noted that the investment aims to bring operational excellence and scalable infrastructure directly into Mexican operations.

Echo’s expansion follows significant infrastructure investments made in 2024, including the opening of new locations in Mexico City, Monterrey and Laredo, Texas. The company, which operates more than 60 locations across North America, has leveraged cross-border technology and bilingual logistics teams to support its rapidly growing Mexico division over the past two years.

In a separate development, DP World is in exclusive negotiations to design, build and operate a new container terminal at the Port of Corpus Christi in Texas. If finalised, the project would mark the global logistics giant’s first container terminal development on the US Gulf Coast. The port, a major gateway for energy, agricultural and industrial exports, currently lacks dedicated container infrastructure despite handling significant tonnage.

DP World, which handles approximately 10 per cent of global container traffic through a network of over 60 ports and terminals, would manage the terminal under a long-term lease. Port officials indicated that the potential development aims to diversify cargo operations and create new opportunities for businesses in South Texas, with the exclusive negotiation period currently focused on terminal design, capacity planning and investment structure.

Meanwhile, Chinese automotive supplier CHL/Henglong Mexico Automotive announced a $42 million investment in a new manufacturing plant in Saltillo, Coahuila. The two-phase project will produce steering systems for commercial vehicles and passenger cars, with expectations to create 162 jobs. The investment strengthens the automotive supply chain in Saltillo, one of Mexico’s largest vehicle manufacturing hubs, further attracting Asian-based suppliers to northern Mexico.