Why Ford Chose Hermosillo (And What It Means for Your Supply Chain)
When Ford brought the new Bronco production to Hermosillo, Sonora, they weren’t just making a manufacturing decision; they were making a strategic logistics play. Ford’s presence attracted a complete ecosystem of automotive suppliers, creating a manufacturing network that includes Guaymas and Empalme, just 80 miles south.
Today, we handle over 100,000 auto parts daily through this network, managing more than $11 billion in automotive components annually. Ford suppliers and other automotive companies have discovered what happens when lower costs, higher skills, and better employee attitudes come together in the right location with the right logistics support.
Accelerate Your Supply Chain Through
the Arizona-Sonoran Corridor
The $60 Billion Story That's Reshaping Cross-Border Trade
The numbers don’t lie, and they tell a compelling story. The Arizona-Sonora trade corridor generated over $60 billion in bilateral trade in 2024 alone. That’s not just statistics on a spreadsheet; that’s real money flowing through a logistics network that smart companies are already leveraging.
Here’s what caught our attention: Arizona’s exports to Mexico jumped 20.3% in December 2024, reaching $733.3 million. While imports held strong at $857.94 million, the real story is in the truck crossings—over 2 million in 2024—with Nogales handling the lion’s share as the most critical gateway for freight movement.
But here’s the part that should make every operations manager take notice: Cross-border freight between the U.S. and Mexico hit $72.5 billion in April 2024, a 15.4% increase from the previous year. Trucks carried $53.1 billion of that total, proving that ground transportation isn’t just important; it’s essential.
The Power of Sonora’s Industries
Sonora isn’t just about automotive; it’s home to a complete ecosystem that serves automotive, aerospace, and maquiladora operations. The region’s aerospace industry benefits from proximity to key U.S. markets and a specialized workforce that understands the precision requirements these industries demand.
For maquiladora operations, the Arizona-Sonoran Corridor offers something unique: a seamless connection between manufacturing centers and distribution networks that can reduce your transportation costs by up to 40% while speeding up delivery times.
Your Logistics Solution: Why ILS Company Gets Results in the Arizona-Sonoran Corridor
Here’s what sets us apart in this booming corridor: we’re not just moving boxes; we’re managing the complete flow of goods that keeps your operations running smoothly.
Our Arizona-Sonoran Corridor Advantage
- Gateway Access: We provide direct access to $32 billion worth of goods crossing through Arizona’s ports of entry. When you work with us, you’re plugging into a network that already supports 100,000 Arizona jobs tied to Mexico trade.
- Complete Service Integration: We handle international transportation (FTL, LTL, air, ocean), warehousing (inventory control, distribution, VMI, cross-docking), and complete import/export services with both Mexican and U.S. customs brokerage clearance for true door-to-door shipments.
- Distribution Centers in Sonora: Our logistics centers in Hermosillo, Guaymas, and Empalme are strategically positioned for faster cross-border operations. No more customs headaches or border delays.
Tap into the full potential of nearshoring with a logistics partner that prioritizes your business
We use a combination of VMI and the IMMEX Program to help you:
- Deliver faster to Tier-1 manufacturing sites
- Maintain a safety stock near production lines
- Save on VAT and customs duties (DTA) and enjoy virtual pedimentos, consolidated import declarations, and VAT refunds.
Real Solutions for Real Operations Challenges
- For Automotive Operations: We ensure continuous flow of components with JIT delivery systems that keep production lines moving. Our specialized equipment and inventory management systems handle everything from small electronic components to large automotive assemblies.
- For aerospace companies: We understand the precision and documentation requirements aerospace operations demand. Our customs brokerage services ensure compliance, while our specialized handling protects sensitive components throughout the supply chain.
- For Maquiladora Operations: We provide the cross-docking and assembly fulfillment services that make maquiladora operations profitable, plus the inventory control systems that help you manage costs and maintain quality.
Ready to Cut Your Transportation Costs?
Smart companies are already positioning themselves to take advantage of this infrastructure investment. The question isn’t whether the Arizona-Sonoran Corridor will transform cross-border logistics; it’s whether your company will be ready to benefit from that transformation.
