In the ever-evolving landscape of cross-border trade between the U.S. and Mexico, Reliance Partners continues to foster collaboration and expertise with annual Modernization of Cross-Border Trade events.
Held on June 17, 2025, at the Laredo Country Club in Laredo, Texas, the 8th Annual Modernization of Cross-Border Trade event drew in over 500 logistics professionals.
2025 featured a strong sponsor lineup, including Cargado, Monex USA, Volvo Trucks, Evans Transportation, Werner, Dunavant, Atlantic Logistics, and more, with complimentary admission for all logistics providers, shippers, and freight brokers.
What started eight years ago as an insurance-focused gathering has evolved into a premier industry forum where cross-border technology disruptors, logistics firms expanding into Mexico, and capacity providers connect and collaborate.
This year’s speakers highlighted the following topics:
- What to expect from the 2026 United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement review upon the election of President Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum
- How and when to leverage cross-border warehouse space
- What cross-border investment firms are looking at in 2025
- Cross-border partner vetting
- Practical technology for cross-border in 2025
- U.S.-Mexico customs brokerage panel with Customs and Border Protection
The Need for Cross-Border Insurance
At the core of the event’s discussions was the vital role of cross-border insurance, a topic that is gaining increasing prominence amid escalating trade volumes and complexities. The importance of having robust cross-border insurance cannot be overstated, particularly as the Mexican cargo landscape presents numerous challenges. With a 3% increase in cargo truck hijacking reported in 2023, the situation is only getting more volatile.
Mark Vickers, Executive Vice President and Head of International Logistics at Reliance Partners, highlighted key differences between U.S. and Mexican insurance policies. U.S.-issued Mexican cargo insurance is particularly beneficial as it allows claims to be resolved in the U.S., offering more reliable outcomes. In contrast, Mexican cargo insurance often involves lenient liability requirements. Carriers’ liability for cargo damage tends to be capped significantly lower than actual shipment values.
These limitations are coupled with burdensome documentation requirements and exclusions typical of Mexican policies, which often delay claim payouts and complicate logistics operations. Moreover, the negligence-based liability in Mexico means that carriers are only accountable for damages caused by negligence, leaving significant risks for shippers uncovered.
Effective insurance has become a more crucial need than ever. Cross-border insurance helps to ensure continuity and mitigate risk. Every cross-border operation needs stability when it comes to an uncertain environment.
The 8th Annual Modernization of Cross-Border Trade event featured a range of thought-provoking panels covering topics such as cross-border disruption, Mexican cargo insurance, and strategies for expanding capacity. The participation level and diversity of attendees spanned shippers, freight brokers, U.S. and Mexican carriers, customs brokers, warehouse operators, logistics tech companies, and investors.
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Source: Freight Waves
