Operations are slowly resuming at Mexico’s busiest container port, Manzanillo, after a four-day strike by customs workers brought cargo movement to a standstill. The strike which began on May 12, caused an estimated $150 million in revenue losses and led to widespread disruption in logistics operations across the region.
While some drayage trucks began moving containers at the port earlier last week, it could take up to up to three weeks for the port to return to normal, said Guillermo del Río, president of the Western Maquiladora and Export Manufacturing Industry Association. He noted that although bulk cargo and rail shipments have started moving, scheduling new shipments had not yet begun.
“We’re going to be pushing for this to return to normal as soon as possible. We’re already looking to recruit more personnel to help clear it… [O]bviously, it will have a significant impact on government revenue collection, all logistics providers, and the companies that operate in the port,” del Río said during a news conference, according to Mural.
Manzanillo port, located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, is vital for the country’s international trade. It handles roughly 4,000 truck movements a day and processed close to 4 million TEUs in 2024.
Source: American Shipper
● Delays in cargo consolidation and deconsolidation
● Increased dwell times at origin and transshipment points
● Temporary equipment shortages and sailing cancellations
● Reduced schedule reliability for Westbound and Southbound services
In response to the congestion and operational challenges at the Port of Manzanillo, Shipco is offering alternative service solutions through key U.S. gateways like Los Angeles and Miami, particularly for transshipment cargo from Asia to Southern LATAM ports.
Our robust infrastructure across the U.S. allows us to reposition freight domestically, minimizing handling costs and risks. This ensures cargo continuity even when traditional transshipment hubs face disruption.
Furthermore, our direct LCL services reduces dependency on transshipment points, providing reliable and time-efficient options despite ongoing congestion in Mexico. This situation highlights the importance of maintaining flexible routings especially when multiple LATAM destinations depend on a single service leg through Mexico.
