J.B. Hunt, 2 rail providers offer new intermodal service in Mexico

Lowell-based carrier J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc., Fort Worth, Texas-based BNSF Railway and Mexico rail provider Grupo México Transportes (GMXT) have launched a new intermodal service in Mexico, modeled after a similar service established in the United States in 2023, according to a Friday (May 30) news release.

Quantum de México is the new service for Mexico businesses needing “service-sensitive freight delivery,” according to the release. In 2023, J.B. Hunt and BNSF reintroduced Quantum to accommodate “service-sensitive highway freight needs of customer supply chains” in the United States.

“Quantum provides the consistency, agility and speed needed to transport sensitive highway freight using rail, meeting businesses’ ‘just in time’ freight needs,” the release shows. “The service is optimized for efficiency, offering a 95+% on-time delivery rate that’s up to one day faster than traditional intermodal service.”

The new service uses technology, including tracking and monitoring systems, to provide real-time visibility and control over shipments, reduce delays and improve performance, according to the press release. Service oversight will be provided by J.B. Hunt, BNSF and GMXT teams. J.B. Hunt has opened an office in Queretaro, Mexico, to support customer needs and growth in Mexico.

“Mode conversion is one of the leading opportunities businesses can leverage in today’s economic environment to drive efficiency and cost savings,” said Spencer Frazier, executive vice president of sales and marketing at J.B. Hunt. “The collaboration we’re announcing today brings the full suite of our industry-leading intermodal service and its unmatched service excellence, scale and capacity to Mexico, building on the innovative success of a 35-year relationship.”

J.B. Hunt, BNSF and GMXT announced the new service at the Congreso Intermodal de la Asociación Mexicana del Transporte Intermodal (AMTI) in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on Friday.

Quantum de México will operate on routes that connect major cities and industrial hubs in Mexico and the United States. Following are the primary U.S. markets: Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, the West Coast and eastern destinations. The key Mexico markets include Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.

J.B. Hunt, BNSF and GMXT previously launched a Mexico service through the Eagle Pass, Texas, border crossing.

Mexico has become one of the top 10 exporters in the world, with more than two-thirds of its exports going to the United States. Top export industries include automotive, manufacturing, agricultural and electronics. Nearly 70% of freight transported across the border between the United States and Mexico is moved by over-the-road trucks.

“The collaboration looks to capitalize on the untapped potential of intermodal service for businesses moving freight in and out of Mexico, including converting (over-the-road) highway freight to rail intermodal and optimizing container efficiency,” the release noted. “Intermodal conversion is the most widely available ground transportation solution for cutting carbon emissions, reducing a shipment’s carbon footprint by an average of 65% compared to (over-the-road) truck transportation.”

Shares of J.B. Hunt (NASDAQ: JBHT) were trading Friday at $138.15, down $1.85 or 1.32%. In the past 52 weeks, the stock has ranged between $122.79 and $200.40.