Nearly 40% of shippers are already leveraging or considering nearshoring manufacturing operations to Mexico, according to the C.H. Robinson 2023 Shipper Survey. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)
As nearshoring trends continue to drive manufacturing to Mexico, fluctuations in shipping capacity are forcing cross-border freight companies to strategically invest in cross-border capacity.
“As we’re already seeing with the USMCA corridor, we’re seeing more imports heading north from Mexico,” said Brad Colvin, director of corporate business development and logistics at TriNational Corp. (TNi). “It’s just going to create a bigger imbalance of cargo heading back to the border and into Mexico, creating capacity imbalance issues,” he added.
Tri-National is a North American border and short sea transportation specialist. This door-to-door transportation company boasts a 30-year track record of seamless border transportation from service points in Mexico through the Texas border and throughout the Southeast and Midwest corridors of the United States.
Currently headquartered in St. Charles, Missouri, the company is expanding its operations in South Texas and the Texarkana area.
TriNational’s investments in facilities will be focused on strengthening cross-border capabilities between Mexico and the U.S. Construction is underway on a new terminal in San Antonio and major renovations are underway at TNi’s existing facility in Texarkana.
The new San Antonio terminal is located south of the Interstate 410 Loop where it merges with Interstate 35, with truck stops and retail access less than a block away. This completely new facility will provide improved driver amenities, operational and maintenance support, as well as a larger area for secure overnight parking. The new location is expected to open in 2025.
TNi’s renovated Texarkana terminal will be twice the size of its existing site and consolidate its shops and operations facilities under one roof. Additional improvements include expanded parking and truck stop access. The Texarkana terminal renovation is expected to be ready for occupancy by August 1, 2024.
Expedited transportation between major border crossings is a key priority of TNi’s investment strategy. “With upgrades to our San Antonio and Texarkana terminals, Tri-National is uniquely positioned to grow our cross-border nearshoring capabilities,” Colvin said. “Located just off Interstate 30, the new TNi Texarkana location will facilitate day trips to multiple border crossings in South Texas.”
TriNational acquired regional carrier Texas Freight Services in 2023, absorbing facilities in Houston and Fort Worth, Texas, and Jeffersonville, Georgia. 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the TriNational brand name.
For more information on Tri-National, click here.
