Averitt developed a secure, full-service logistics solution for a global spirits manufacturer to safely transport high-value tequila shipments from Zapopan, Jalisco, in Guadalajara, Mexico, into Texas and Kentucky.
Faced with strict security protocols, customs requirements, and visibility expectations, the Averitt team created a customized cross-border supply chain strategy—including armed escort services and real-time tracking. The result is a stable, scalable operation that has strengthened Averitt’s role as a strategic logistics partner in the spirits industry.
The Challenge
A globally recognized spirits brand needed to move high-value product from its facility in Mexico into the U.S.—but their existing carrier could no longer meet operational or security needs. The sensitive nature of the freight required:
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Armed convoy escorts within Mexico
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Strict adherence to approved stop locations
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Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT)-compliant carrier vetting
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Multi-party coordination across languages and borders
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End-to-end visibility from origin to delivery
The Solution
Averitt stepped in with a flexible logistics solution, managing the process from pickup in Zapopan through delivery to Texas- and Kentucky-based distribution centers.
Key components of the solution included:
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Convoy Security: Loads move in groups of two to three trailers, each accompanied by armed escort vehicles in front and behind. Escorts are responsible not only for physical protection but also for enforcing route compliance and reporting any deviations in real time.
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Custom Onboarding: Averitt’s team engaged in extensive joint onboarding sessions with the customer’s U.S. and Mexican operations, its security team, and its chosen customs broker to align on every detail—from stop locations to documentation flow.
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Carrier Partnerships: Averitt coordinated operations through its partner carrier, Central de Fletes, a CTPAT-certified provider vetted by both parties. Averitt also leveraged its strong cross-border network to manage yard handoffs, border procedures, and final delivery coordination.
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Visibility and Communication: Averitt provided real-time GPS tracking via driver links. Both Averitt and the customer had direct access to location data, ensuring transparency and proactive issue resolution.
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Scalable Volume Management: While Averitt assets support domestic moves when needed, the core cross-border operation uses dedicated partner carriers to manage volume surges and strict delivery schedules to Louisville, KY.
Results
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Reduced Risk: Secure convoys and strict compliance protocols eliminated exposure in a high-theft environment.
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Operational Trust: A rigorous vetting and onboarding process built long-term confidence across both U.S. and Mexico-based stakeholders.
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Consistent Service: Averitt manages multiple high-value shipments each week with precision and security, meeting strict delivery windows to Texas- and Kentucky-based distributors.
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Scalable Model: The program is built to scale, with opportunities to grow into additional lanes and services, including point-of-sale logistics.
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Integrated Support: With both cross-border and domestic trucking services in place, Averitt supports the customer at multiple stages of their supply chain.
Moving freight across the U.S.–Mexico border requires precision, security, and trusted expertise. From customs clearance to real-time visibility and secure transportation, Averitt delivers seamless cross-border shipping solutions that help shippers reduce risk and keep their supply chains moving with confidence.
Whether it’s high-value spirits, automotive parts, or retail goods, our integrated network and trusted carrier partnerships ensure your freight reaches its destination safely and on schedule.
Watch the video below to learn how our team delivers seamless solutions across the border.
