Players in the cross-border shipping industry between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada are rolling out new tools and services aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and sustainability. From carbon footprint trackers to foreign trade zone designations, companies are leveraging technology and thinking green to stay competitive.
Eternity Group Mexico Introduces a Carbon Footprint Monitoring Tool
Eternity Group Mexico recently launched a new digital tool called Elis Carbon Neutral to help global shipping companies implement more sustainable practices. The technology uses blockchain to accurately measure energy usage and carbon emissions generated during transport. It also documents any carbon reduction steps taken by customers, enabling them to obtain certifications for carbon neutrality or carbon credits.
Company president Nicolas Portenza stated, “We’ve developed Elis to offer carbon-neutral solutions over the customer’s supply chain…We have decided to implement [it] so as to mitigate and offset emissions from all our customers’ maritime operations.”
With ocean shipping responsible for 2.8% of annual global emissions, per the UN, tools like Elis aim to reduce the industry’s impact. They also give forward-looking companies a chance to gain a competitive edge and meet impending industry standards for sustainability.
Finkargo Closes $20M Funding Round to Expand Supply Chain Offerings
Mexico City-based Finkargo, a platform for small and medium-sized businesses to access global trade solutions, recently secured $20 million in Series A funding. The international trade start-up will leverage the investment to build out an integrated suite of services like supplier matching, cargo insurance, and foreign exchange.
Finkargo co-founder and CEO Santiago Molina said, “We are committed to continuing developing financial products and moving forward with our mission of democratizing access to global trade.”
Since 2021, Finkargo has already financed over $200 million in import operations for 250+ SMB customers. The new funding will help narrow the estimated $1.7 trillion trade finance gap that keeps many smaller companies from entering and scaling global trade.
Cargo-Partner Launches Seamless Cross-Border Shipping Throughout North America
Austria-based logistics provider Cargo-Partner recently introduced an integrated solution for U.S.-Mexico-Canada trucking. The new offering includes transportation, storage, customs brokerage, and specialty shipping services across all three countries.
Company president Ralf Schneider highlighted the cargo partner’s significant warehouse network across borders, including over 300,000 square feet of capacity stretching from Chicago to Mexico City. He said the robust infrastructure allows them to “provide a variety of end-to-end solutions” to shippers.
As one of the world’s leading logistics companies operating in 40 countries, cargo-partner is leveraging its size and scale to simplify cross-border shipping for customers across North America.
SKU Distribution Facility Gains Foreign Trade Zone Status
SKU Distribution, a Chandler, Arizona-based 3PL, recently earned foreign trade zone (FTZ) status for its distribution center and fulfillment warehouse. FTZ designation enables special customs procedures that help international companies improve cash flow and defer import taxes.
CEO James Peacock explained, “This allows companies to import their products and defer their customs duties and taxes until their product leaves the zone (our warehouse) for domestic consumption.”
With FTZ authority, SKU can better support global e-commerce and omnichannel sellers. The tax and duty advantages also help importers increase margins, attract more supplier credit, and compete more effectively in the U.S. market.
As cross-border regulations and costs continue to mount, innovative solutions like FTZ warehouses provide much-needed relief to importers. They also give 3PLs like SKU a proven value-add to market to new customers.
Shaping the Future of Sustainable Cross-Border Trade
With rising consumer expectations around sustainability plus growing regulatory pressures to decarbonize global supply chains, cross-border shippers are pursuing innovative new services to get ahead.
Carbon emissions monitoring platforms like Elis Carbon Neutral provide the tracking and documentation global shippers need to benchmark progress and certify their efforts. The data also helps carriers find efficiencies to reach net-zero emission targets for ocean shipping.
Similarly, the move toward all-electric and lower emission transport will require significant investments in charging and fueling infrastructure across borders. Partnerships between shippers, 3PLs and governments can help coordinate the rollout and reduce costs.
The future of compliant, transparent and sustainable cross-border trade relies on both high-tech tools and unprecedented collaboration across private and public entities. Companies taking the lead today will have a distinct competitive edge.
By leveraging their expertise and resources, Lading Logistics aims to provide efficient and reliable international shipping and logistics solutions for their clients.
