At the start of 2025, all eyes are on cross-border logistics. Intermodal carriers stand to benefit greatly from cross-border trade in Q1 and beyond—but they must navigate challenges, from rising costs to regulatory changes.
For carriers willing to adapt, this moment presents an opportunity for growth.
Challenges for Cross-Border Freight Carriers in 2025
Cross-border carriers face significant cost pressures heading into 2025. According to CANACAR, operating costs surged by 20% in 2024 due to:
- Fuel Price Increases: Diesel costs rose 6.33%, reaching an average of $25.71 pesos per liter.
- Rising Maintenance Costs: Inflation and currency fluctuations have driven up the price of spare parts and vehicle repairs.
- Security and Border Delays: Cargo theft, road blockades and customs bottlenecks contributed to increased operational risks and costs.
- Mexico’s Transition to Digital Truck Driver’s Licenses: While aimed at modernization, this change is creating difficulties for drivers who still need physical licenses for security clearance at certain facilities.
With these roadblocks in mind—not to mention tariffs on Mexican goods—carriers must be strategic to stay profitable.
How Carriers Can Optimize U.S.-Mexico Trade
Intermodal carriers should take steps to optimize operations and improve financial stability at the Mexico border.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Stay compliant with both U.S. and Mexican regulations, including customs documentation and weight restrictions.
- Strengthen cross-border trade partnerships by working closely with Mexican drayage providers, rail services and customs brokers. This can help streamline freight movement.
- Build relationships with U.S. and Mexican shippers to secure dedicated lanes and long-term contracts, reducing market uncertainty.
In addition to these strategies, we recommend consistently monitoring trade policies and market trends.
For example:
- Stay informed on U.S.-Mexico trade agreements like the USMCA, which is up for review in July 2026.
- Watch for growth in Port Manzanillo, Mexico’s largest West Coast port, which saw a 7.9% increase in cargo in 2024.
- Track Mexico’s nearshoring trends. With increasing foreign investment in Mexico due to nearshoring, freight demand could be impacted.
Factoring: A Key Tool for Strong Cash Flow
Question: How can you optimize your border operations when you’re having difficulty covering expenses like fuel, equipment maintenance and payroll?
Answer: You can’t.
To successfully navigate this market, intermodal carriers need robust cash flow. Cross-border transactions often come with longer payment cycles, which means that liquidity should be a top concern.
How Can Factoring Help Cross-Border Carriers?
Factoring services offer a reliable solution for carriers struggling with delayed shipper payments. An intermodal factoring service allows carriers to get paid faster—often within 24 hours—instead of waiting up to 90 days or more for invoice payments. This liquidity enables carriers to:
- Cover rising fuel and maintenance costs
- Pay drivers on time and retain talent
- Take on more loads and scale operations
- Invest in equipment and technology to stay competitive
By working with a factoring provider, carriers can maintain smooth operations and build those vital relationships at the U.S-Mexico border.
Take Advantage of U.S.-Mexico Trade Right Now
While uncertainties exist, the U.S.-Mexico trade boom presents a growth opportunity for intermodal carriers. By optimizing operations, strengthening partnerships and staying informed on trade developments, carriers can thrive in this landscape. But to seize these opportunities, maintaining strong cash flow is essential.
With RTS Financial’s factoring solutions, carriers can overcome cash flow challenges, take on more cross-border freight and grow their businesses in this evolving market. Now is the time to position your company for long-term success in U.S.-Mexico intermodal trade.
Learn more about our Mexico factoring solutions or reach out to our team to start working with RTS today!