Modernization of Cross-Border Trade event draws industry experts to Laredo, TX

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 to 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.

Many event participants validated the necessity for progress and preparedness in regards to this topic. “It starts with great people, and this event truly brought them together,” said one attendee. 

One industry professional noted, “If you’re investing in cross-border and you aren’t in Laredo at this event, you’re missing out.” Another echoed, “This event showcases how fast the space is evolving and how important it is to be part of the conversation.”

Reliance Partners’ Cross-Border Solutions

In response to these challenges, Reliance Partners has developed the Borderless Coverage program. This innovative program is specifically designed to connect shippers, carriers, and brokers with U.S.-based underwriters who specialize in Mexican cargo insurance. The program aims to eliminate the uncertainties of traditional policies by ensuring expedited claims payments directly to the shipper, thus maintaining operational flow while supporting cost recovery.

Borderless Coverage offers transparent policies that reflect the tangible realities of cross-border risk, thereby shielding shippers from vulnerabilities associated with traditional insurance models. Simplified coverage options reduce unrealistic requirements that often lead to disputes. This model promotes collaboration and partnership rather than tedious policy navigation.

Likewise, Reliance Partners’ Cargo Truck Hijacking Portal is designed to help nearshoring executives, journalists, international logistics professionals and researchers analyze roadway logistics risk in Mexico. The Reliance team compiles, consolidates, and crunches data from Mexico’s federal government’s National Public Security System in order to provide the first and only open source data portal on cargo hijackings in Mexico.

Upcoming News

With nearshoring initiatives gaining momentum, the impetus for robust partnerships and comprehensive insurance solutions remains high. The insights shared at the 8th Annual Modernization of Cross-Border Trade event reinforce the critical nature of insurance in facilitating secure and efficient trade activities across borders.

As the landscape continues to shift (fueled by innovations and policy changes), the role of cross-border insurance as a stabilizing force shouldn’t be overlooked. Industry players need to align towards common goals, and for that they need the knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities of a dynamic trading environment.

Reliance Partners has already set its sights on future engagements, with preparations underway for the 9th Annual Modernization of Cross-Border Trade. Because this is a topic of growing importance, there has to be continued dialogue and collaboration within the trade community. Reliance Partners wants to enhance industry discourse and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of cross-border logistics and insurance.

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