The U.S.-Mexico cross-border trade landscape continues to grow with significant investments like International Logistics Solutions’ (ILS) new distribution center in Tucson, Arizona. Opened earlier this month, the 115,000-square-foot facility is set to enhance cross-border freight operations for industries such as automotive, aerospace, industrial materials, and manufacturing.
Tirzo Gortary, director of the new Tucson facility, explained that many of ILS’ major clients include companies like GM, Tesla, and Ford. The center’s goal is to streamline logistics for manufacturers and suppliers operating between the U.S. and Mexico, particularly those engaged in automotive, aerospace, medical, construction, and renewable energy sectors. Notably, ILS also serves Mexico’s maquiladora industry — factories that operate under favorable trade agreements to produce goods for export to the U.S.
Founded in 2002, ILS has steadily expanded its footprint, reporting over $1.7 billion in cross-border shipments in 2024. The company is also the logistics arm of Tetakawi, a prominent outsourcing solutions provider in Sonora, Mexico. By opening this new facility, ILS strengthens its presence in the Arizona-Sonora trade corridor, a key gateway for $32 billion in annual trade between the two countries.
The Tucson center functions as a cross-docking hub, consolidating imports and exports, and houses on-site Mexican customs brokers to facilitate faster inspections. U.S. broker partners also work within the facility to expedite shipping processes. This consolidation point improves operational efficiency for customers managing supply chains with complex purchase orders and manufacturing timelines.
Arizona’s six commercial ports of entry, including Nogales and San Luis, already play a critical role in facilitating daily cross-border shipments — with Sonora’s auto suppliers alone moving over 100,000 parts daily to and from Arizona. The strategic location of ILS’ new facility is expected to further enhance supply chain speed, reliability, and capacity in the region.
In addition to ILS’ expansion, several other developments highlight the growing U.S.-Mexico trade connections. British company Volex is building a new manufacturing plant in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, which will add over 2,000 jobs to support electric vehicle and industrial tech markets. Meanwhile, RK Logistics Group has expanded its foreign trade zone warehouse capacity across several states, offering greater flexibility for businesses to manage duties and streamline international operations.
Security remains a critical issue along the U.S.-Mexico border. In a recent incident, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers intercepted $8.9 million worth of methamphetamine hidden inside a chayote shipment at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge in Texas, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance alongside the growth in legitimate trade.
As trade between the U.S. and Mexico strengthens, investments in facilities like ILS’ Tucson distribution center ensure that supply chains can meet evolving industry demands while navigating a dynamic regulatory and security landscape.
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