Borderlands Mexico: Nearshoring Fuels 800,000-Square-Foot Industrial Build in El Paso
Cross-border trucking operations along the U.S.-Mexico border continue to expand amid growing manufacturing activity in Mexico. Nearshoring—the practice of relocating production closer to end markets—drives much of this development, particularly in sectors like high-tech, automotive, and medical devices.
C.H. Robinson has significantly increased its capacity in El Paso, Texas, adding 450,000 square feet of warehousing and cross-docking space. This expansion brings the company’s total border footprint to 1.5 million square feet. The new facility features 154 dock doors and parking for 700 trailers, positioning it to handle increased freight volumes efficiently.
“We continue to see El Paso emerge as a vital gateway for not just high-tech freight, but also automotive, medical devices, and healthcare products,” said Jay Cornmesser, vice president for Mexico cross-border services at C.H. Robinson.
Mike Burkhart, C.H. Robinson’s vice president of North America surface transportation, noted visible results from nearshoring trends. Shippers seek supply chains that are closer to U.S. consumers, more cost-effective, and easier to manage across the border.
Mexico’s industrial parks anticipate 453 new companies by mid-2025, according to a study by BBVA Research and the Mexican Association of Private Industrial Parks. Twenty percent of these firms originate from China, reflecting broader shifts in global manufacturing.
Ryder System Inc. has also invested in El Paso with a new 150,000-square-foot logistics facility. The site supports cross-border trade, leveraging its location along key trucking routes.
“The site in El Paso also has the advantage of being strategically located along a popular stopping point for trucks,” said Frank Bateman, vice president of supply chain operations for Ryder.
U.S. trade with Mexico reaches nearly $800 billion annually. The Ysleta port of entry in El Paso handles about 9 to 10 percent of this volume, making it a critical hub for truck drivers hauling freight across the border.
Ryder opened a related 228,000-square-foot warehouse and cross-dock in Laredo, Texas, in February, near the World Trade Bridge. These facilities enhance options for drivers managing time-sensitive loads between the two countries.
Together, the C.H. Robinson and Ryder expansions contribute to an 800,000-square-foot increase in industrial capacity in El Paso, directly tied to nearshoring growth. Professional drivers benefit from improved infrastructure, including more dock space and trailer parking, which can reduce wait times at border crossings.
Key facility details:
- C.H. Robinson El Paso expansion: 450,000 square feet, 154 dock doors, 700 trailer spaces
- Ryder El Paso facility: 150,000 square feet, strategically located for truck stops
- Ryder Laredo facility: 228,000 square feet, opened February near World Trade Bridge
These developments align with broader Borderlands Mexico trends, including manufacturing investments and infrastructure upgrades that support reliable cross-border hauling. El Paso’s role as a gateway underscores its importance for drivers transporting high-value goods like electronics, vehicle parts, and medical supplies.
For truckers, the added capacity means more consistent load opportunities and better facilities at key border points. As nearshoring continues, such expansions provide the physical backbone for smoother operations across the U.S.-Mexico trade corridor.