C.H. Robinson Launches Cross-Border Freight Consolidation Service

09/11/2025 – 05:00 AM

Cutting shipping costs by up to 40%, C.H. Robinson introduces a new, more efficient way to move freight from Mexico, mitigating the impact of potentially higher tariffs.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. – C.H. Robinson (CHRW), a leading player in AI-driven supply chain management, is rolling out a new service designed to significantly reduce cross-border shipping expenses. The company claims that shippers can save up to 40% on freight originating from Mexico. The service also promises enhanced freight visibility, offering insights up to 48 hours earlier than traditional methods.

This new offering strategically integrates freight consolidation within Mexico, seamless cross-border transportation, expert customs brokerage services, and secure bonded warehousing. Leveraging C.H. Robinson’s extensive carrier network and AI-powered optimization tools, the service aims to streamline deliveries across the United States and Canada.

The service addresses a critical pain point: underutilized truck capacity in cross-border shipments. Current regulations in Mexico often require all freight on a single truck to be cleared by the same customs broker. This restricts the consolidation of less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments from multiple suppliers, even if destined for the same location, resulting in inefficiencies and increased costs.

“We frequently see scenarios where companies importing components from multiple Mexican suppliers end up paying for numerous trucks, each operating below capacity,” explains Jay Cornmesser, VP for Mexico cross-border services at C.H. Robinson. “Our new consolidation service aims to eliminate these redundancies, significantly reducing transportation costs.”

The solution involves consolidating LTL freight at a secure facility in Mexico before it crosses the border. C.H. Robinson’s customs team then manages the border crossing process. The company’s proprietary Optimizer technology, powered by artificial intelligence, analyzes real-time data to determine the most efficient combination and routing plan for each shipment.

Key components of the service and its potential impact:

• Improved Inbound Visibility: The new consolidation center in Mexico provides same-day visibility for freight originating from central Mexico’s industrial hubs. This offers clients up to 48 hours of extra visibility, enabling better planning and expedited shipping options. This is crucial for just-in-time manufacturing operations. The improved visibility acts as a crucial risk mitigator.
• Significant Cost Reduction: Savings extend beyond the border, with optimized deconsolidation, consolidation, and delivery processes. The Optimizer technology continuously analyzes data to select the most efficient mode of transport, route, carrier, and delivery schedule, minimizing travel time and maximizing trailer utilization. This dynamic optimization considers factors like fuel prices, road conditions, and carrier availability, leading to significant cost savings.
• Tariff Mitigation: In an era of evolving trade policies and tariffs, the service offers a strategic advantage. C.H. Robinson utilizes bonded warehouses to defer U.S. tariffs or potentially eliminate them for freight transiting to Canada. This is particularly beneficial for automotive supply chains currently facing tariffs on aluminum and steel components. The ability to defer or eliminate tariffs improves cash flow and reduces the overall cost of goods.

Industries that can benefit are retailers importing food and beverages, healthcare organizations importing medical equipment, and industrial manufacturers relying on parts, components, or electronics made in Mexico.

“Now is the time to take a holistic view of your supply chain operations to harness the benefits of interconnected solutions,” states Michael Castagnetto, president of North American Surface Transportation at C.H. Robinson. The new cross-border service leverages C.H. Robinson’s expertise in LTL shipping, AI innovation, and 35 years’ experience in the Mexican market.

About C.H. Robinson:

C.H. Robinson (Nasdaq: CHRW) is a global logistics provider that offers solutions to companies worldwide. They manage 37 million shipments and $23 billion in freight annually through their network of 83,000 customers and 450,000 contract carriers.