Southeastern Freight Lines partners with other regional carriers to expand operations into the Mexican market

New Partnership Enhances U.S.–Mexico LTL Freight Services

Southeastern Freight Lines has entered into a strategic alliance with Fletes México Carga Express to improve less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping between the United States and Mexico. This collaboration aims to streamline cross-border logistics and was announced by both companies on Monday.

According to a joint statement, the partnership is focused on accelerating and enhancing the reliability of freight movement across the border. Customers will benefit from comprehensive shipment tracking, seamless documentation processes, and integrated digital systems.

Through this alliance, shippers can access instant rate quotes and monitor their shipments door-to-door across both carriers’ networks.

Teams based in Laredo, Texas, and Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, will assist clients and their freight forwarders with paperwork, customs procedures, and efforts to reduce border wait times.

“Our clients want streamlined solutions in today’s complex supply chain environment,” stated Richard Slater, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Southeastern Freight Lines. “By working with Fletes México Carga Express, we can better fulfill the growing need for dependable service to and from Mexico.”

About the Companies

Southeastern Freight Lines, headquartered in Lexington, South Carolina, is a privately owned LTL carrier operating one of the Southeast’s largest regional networks. The company manages between 2,000 and 2,850 tractors and over 6,000 trailers, with a workforce of thousands spread across 89 service centers in the U.S.

Fletes México Carga Express, a division of the family-run Fletes México established nearly 40 years ago, has a significant footprint along Mexico’s main industrial and trade routes. The company operates 10 terminals, a fleet of approximately 1,150 trucks, and employs around 1,900 people. Its Carga Express division offers LTL, last-mile, half-mile, and door-to-door delivery, serving sectors such as automotive, consumer goods, retail, and e-commerce.

Miguel Gómez Tapia, CEO of Fletes México Carga Express, emphasized that the partnership is intended to boost service dependability and transparency. “Our collaboration is set to deliver faster, more consistent freight movement between the U.S. and Mexico, with full visibility and close coordination from start to finish,” he said. “We’re eager to advance this partnership and provide improved cross-border solutions for Southeastern Freight Lines’ customers.”

This joint effort highlights ongoing investments by both companies in cross-border infrastructure, technology integration, and operational alignment, as trade between the U.S. and Mexico continues to be a vital growth engine for North American logistics.

Industry Insights: LTL Markets in the U.S. and Mexico

The U.S. less-than-truckload sector is projected to reach $114 billion by 2025, according to Mordor Intelligence. Leading American LTL carriers include FedEx Freight, Old Dominion, XPO, Estes, Saia, ABF, Averitt, and A. Duie Pyle.

In contrast, Mexico’s LTL market is smaller and more fragmented, relying heavily on partnerships and cross-dock operations rather than extensive terminal networks. Major domestic players include Estafeta, Paquetexpress, Castores, and Tresguerras.

While precise revenue data is limited, Mexico’s total freight and logistics industry is expected to reach about $124 billion in 2025. The LTL segment is among the fastest-growing, with an anticipated annual growth rate of around 6% through 2029, fueled by the rise of e-commerce and nearshoring, which increase demand for smaller, more frequent shipments.

Regional Carriers Expand Cross-Border Operations

Southeastern Freight Lines’ latest move is part of a broader trend of regional LTL carriers expanding into U.S.–Mexico trade lanes, a space once dominated by national carriers and specialized cross-border brokers.

Earlier this year, A. Duie Pyle entered the cross-border LTL market, extending its Northeast-focused network into Mexico through partnerships and cross-dock facilities in Laredo and El Paso, Texas. Company leaders cited increasing customer demand as the main driver for this expansion.