Rising foreign direct investment in Mexico is setting the stage for stronger cross-border trucking demand, according to Werner Enterprises CEO Derek Leathers. With nearly half of these capital inflows coming from the U.S. and Canada, Werner expects to leverage its long-standing presence for new growth opportunities.
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Export-Import Trends
Werner expects cross-border benefits as manufacturers invest more in Mexico
Photo by Supply Chain Dive
Key Takeaways:
- Mexico saw more than $55 billion in FDI during the first half of 2025.
- Forty-six percent of that investment originated from the U.S. and Canada.
- Werner Enterprises anticipates increased trucking demand as manufacturing expands in stages.
- Derek Leathers’ Mexico expertise sets Werner apart in cross-border logistics.
- The company has operated in Mexico for over 25 years and maintains a significant local presence.
Werner’s Optimistic Outlook
Werner Enterprises CEO Derek Leathers believes that as manufacturing facilities in Mexico receive more foreign direct investment, cross-border trucking volumes will inevitably grow. “What I like more about it is where the inflows are coming from,” Leathers told investors, highlighting that much of this new capital stems from the U.S. and Canada.
Surging Foreign Direct Investment
According to the government of Mexico, the country attracted over $55 billion in foreign direct investment in the first half of 2025—outpacing the previous record set in the first six months of 2024. Of that total, $25 billion (or 46%) originated from the U.S. and Canada. As these investments move forward, companies require dependable carriers to handle both plant equipment deliveries and the eventual export of finished goods.
Three Stages of Manufacturing Investment
Leathers notes three primary phases of manufacturing investment in Mexico, each with distinct implications for transportation:
| Investment Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Stage One | Adds shifts at existing facilities |
| Stage Two | Upgrades plant equipment for higher productivity |
| Stage Three | Builds entirely new plants and equipment |
Stage One and Stage Two expansions are already underway, boosting production volumes in existing plants. Stage Three, “the big one,” involves new facilities that will, as Leathers said, “ultimately come into the United States.” These expansions signal increasing demand for cross-border trucking services.
A Long-Standing Presence in Mexico
Werner celebrated 25 years in the Mexican market in 2024, operating a terminal in Laredo, Texas, complete with a cross-dock facility. Over 100 company associates live and work in Mexico, and Werner has expanded its footprint to major cities such as Mexico City, Monterrey, Queretaro, and Guadalajara. Leathers’ own experience living in Mexico, along with his fluency in Spanish, further solidifies the company’s authority in navigating local business dynamics.
Why It Matters for North America
As North American businesses deepen their investments south of the border, cross-border commerce is expected to thrive. For Werner, more production in Mexico means shippers will need secure and efficient trucking solutions across the U.S.-Mexico border. This dynamic supports not just Werner’s outlook, but a broader shift in how goods travel throughout the region.
