Maersk opens Tijuana logistics facility for cross-border services

Maersk said the facility can provide sorting, storage, cross-docking, inventory management, packaging and repackaging, and order fulfilment, alongside a range of other value-added services. A spokesperson for Maersk confirmed the facility supported inbound and aftermarket automotive parts. Total capacity for parts handling covers 28,000 sq.m, of which 16,000 sq.m are currently in use, leaving space for additional operations. 

”Maersk places significant importance on this facility as a critical component in supporting cross-border automotive parts shipments between Mexico and the United States,” said the spokesperson.

Maersk said its warehousing services cater specifically to automotive parts management, including value-added services. The facility has 20 docks and two ramps, inventory control management, and cross-docking, with single and double-deep storage. 

The facility is located in Prisma XII, Pacifico Industrial Park and has good access to major commercial ports, including Los Angeles and Long Beach in California and Ensenada, Mexico. It is also near the Otay and San Ysidro commercial ports. The site is part of the Manufacturing, Maquiladora and Export Services Industry (Immex) programme for the Tijuana market. Maersk said the programme allows companies to temporarily import goods into the country for manufacturing, processing or repair, with the intention of subsequent export or provision of export services.

Maersk is also providing transport services to and from the Tijuana facility in collaboration with third-party suppliers because Mexican regulations prevent foreign capital directly owning transport assets.

“With a focus on Immex programme services, inventory control and seamless cross-border integration, we’re positioned to capitalise on the manufacturing landscape in Mexico and our commitment to delivering unparalleled service to our customers,” said Patricia Perez Salazar, managing director for Mexico at Maersk. “By strategically leveraging our new warehouse in Tijuana, tailored to the complexities of cross-border trade, we’re better positioned to provide our customers in the region truly integrated logistics solutions.”

Integrating services 
Maersk has been targeting integrated logistics services in Mexico in recent years, which includes investment in infrastructure, product development and IT. The company has operations at the ports of Lázaro Cárdenas and Yucatan but is expanding port operations to ensure international transport is matched with adequate domestic logistics, including cross-dock services in the north of Mexico. Perez previously said that smoothing the flow of automotive goods from port to inland destination is something that Maersk is prioritising.

“We want to contribute with accessorial services alongside port operations, make those connections and provide those efficiencies,” she told delegates at Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Mexico in November 2022.

Maersk said it now has 150,000 sq.m of logistics space across Mexico, with warehouses located in Mexico City, Tijuana, and Cuautitlán, and depots located near the ports in Lázaro Cárdenas and Manzanillo. Looking ahead, the company said it had ambitious plans for expansion, with additional capabilities in Guadalajara and Monterrey. It also plans to expand its landside capabilities, aimed at providing customers with solutions to facilitate Mexico-US cross-border trade, as the new facility indicates.