PARTNERS LEAD THE WAY IN MEXICO
With oces in 68 countries and more than 51,000 lease and sale transactions completed, Colliers is a leading diversified professional services and investment management company. It has more than 300 employees in Mexico.
skillsets can be challenging, for both primary sources and second- or third- tier suppliers. “The entire extended supply chain must be established for the whole network to operate ef ciently and effectively,” Stank says. Encountering a Learning Curve When launching in Mexico, many companies face a learning curve, Moses says. This includes the way in which seasonality can impact the movement of goods. For instance, congestion can increase in the fall, as harvested produce is transported. Companies also need to know how to navigate Mexico’s trade infrastructure, including customs brokers, customs compliance and paperwork, and different regional norms and transportation options, Moses says. Visibility becomes critical, given the multiple parties involved in most shipments. When visibility is lacking,
companies often respond by creating inventory buffers, driving up costs. Providing training to employees on cross-cultural communication and local practices can improve a company’s ability to collaborate effectively with its Mexican partners, Rodríguez says. In addition, companies bene t by choosing a shipping partner that has the infrastructure, personnel, exibility, and expertise to successfully navigate cross-border or nearshoring challenges, Colvin says. The logistics provider should be recognized by both the supplier and carrier communities, Moses says. In addition, the provider’s team members should have experience handling the ever-changing array of challenges that can occur. Tech Solutions Underpin Seamless Processes Also key is the logistics partner’s technology solutions, like electronic
data interchange (EDI), as these can facilitate customs clearance processes and minimize delays at border crossings, Rodríguez says. When shifting operations to Mexico, it’s prudent to continue dual sourcing for a period of time, Barth says. By developing solid, cross-functional ramp-up and ramp-down plans, companies are less likely to inadvertently violate service agreements, he adds. The companies highlighted here have gained expertise in helping companies successfully nearshore in Mexico. CBRE: Creating the Real Estate Solutions of Tomorrow As a global leader in commercial real estate services and investments— CBRE works with more than 90 of the Fortune 100 companies—CBRE provides services, insights, and data that span every dimension of the
74 Inbound Logistics • May 2024
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