Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Pharr, Texas — Friday, September 27, 2024–The Pharr International Bridge hosted its inaugural Truck Expo, an event that marked a significant milestone for both the local community and the regional transportation industry. Held at the Pharr EMS Headquarters, this groundbreaking event brought together professionals, trucking enthusiasts, and the public for a day of networking, learning, and an up-close look at the latest advancements in the trucking industry.
During the expo, Julia Martínez, Customer Service Manager for Trancasa, shared key insights into the company’s impressive journey and current operations. Standing proudly at the Trancasa booth, alongside TCA Logistics and the Pharr Bridge Business Park (PBBP), Martínez gave a deep dive into what makes Trancasa a leader in the freight transport industry.
“We’re not just a transport company,” Martínez began. “Trancasa owns everything related to the fleet, the trailers, and the trucks. TCA Logistics is the logistics side, managing brokerage, and PBBP are our warehouses.”
Trancasa’s journey began over 30 years ago in Río Bravo, Tamaulipas. “We started with a small fleet of trucks,” Martínez explained, “but we grew steadily, eventually working with AAA clients who required not just transportation but a full logistics solution.” Today, the company operates five warehouses—one in Mexico and four in the United States, including a state-of-the-art facility in McAllen.
During the expo, Martínez proudly showcased a promotional video highlighting Trancasa’s operations’ scale. “You were at the opening of our McAllen warehouse,” she said, referring to the company’s comprehensive logistics solutions. “We provide everything from transportation to cross-docking and storage,” she added.
Trancasa’s footprint is wider than North America. The company’s focus has increasingly turned to global markets, mainly Europe and Africa. Martínez emphasized the company’s adaptability and diversified client base: “We are currently focusing on the European market with TCA Logistics. We also bring in products from Africa. We handle a lot of movement, thanks to our clients in sectors like automotive, pharmaceuticals, and food industries.”
Food logistics is one of Trancasa’s most vital sectors, with clients such as Bimbo Bread and Don Julio Tequila. However, the company’s reach extends into other industries, including electronics and home goods. “We also work with LG, which moves televisions, and Emerson, which handles vacuum cleaners. Our diverse portfolio allows us to maintain stability even when one sector is down. This balanced demand keeps us resilient,” she said.
One of the hallmarks of Trancasa’s success has been its ability to provide clients with integrated logistics solutions. “We comprise five companies: Trancasa Mexico, Trancasa USA, TCA Mexico, TCA USA, and the warehouses,” Martínez explained. The goal, she said, is to offer clients a seamless experience.
“For instance, when a client of Trancasa,” Martínez noted. “When reviewing invoices, it’s much easier to have just one invoice that covers transportation, storage, logistics—everything you need—instead of dealing with dozens of suppliers and transactions. It’s fantastic, all integrated.”
This one-stop-shop approach is part of what sets Trancasa apart from the competition. Martínez highlighted the company’s growth and the strength of its team: “We have grown a lot, and we have a great team in both Mexico and the United States. Our team is committed to customer satisfaction and providing solutions.”
The Truck Expo also served as a crucial platform for driver recruitment and networking. Martínez acknowledged the vital role that drivers play in Trancasa’s success. “It’s an extremely important event because it focuses on recruiting drivers and networking with clients,” she said. “For us, drivers are the backbone of the company. They are the ones who make everything possible.”
She continued, “The great advantage we have is that we are not just a logistics company that outsources everything. We own our logistics and our trucks, and the power of having drivers is critical for us. Events like these help us recruit drivers and network, providing us with many advantages.”
Trancasa’s success today is a far cry from its humble beginnings. Martínez shared the company’s origin story, which dates back to 1990—coincidentally, the year she was born. “Mr. Carlos Canales, our founder, was only 15 when he started the company. His father was a farmer with some trucks, but farming is seasonal. During the off-season, the trucks were idle, so Carlos asked his father, ‘Hey, Dad, can I use the trucks to do small jobs here and there?’ And that’s how it all started—with just two trucks. Now, we have 700 trucks.”
From two trucks to a fleet of 700, Trancasa’s growth has been nothing short of remarkable. “It sounds simple, but building a business takes time,” Martínez said. “And you need the right people.”
As the interview drew close, Martínez expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to speak and shared her vision for the future. “Thank you very much for your time and being here with us. We want to keep growing. A lot of growth is coming to this region, especially with the opening of new developments in Monterrey related to nearshoring.”
Martínez also mentioned the exciting future ahead with the upcoming opening of the Anzalduas International Bridge. “For us and Mr. Canales, it’s always been important to keep investing in the region, creating jobs, and contributing locally. We are fully committed to Texas, Tamaulipas, and Nuevo León. We are 100% northerners, and we love it.”
In addition to Trancasa, TCA Logistics is a leader in international freight transport, with a strong presence in major logistics hubs across Mexico and the United States. The company is focused on delivering exceptional service and creating innovative transportation solutions for its business partners. TCA Logistics continues to distinguish itself from its competitors, powered by cutting-edge technology, a focus on innovation, stringent security measures, and a dedicated team.
Pharr Bridge Business Park (PBBP), located along the overweight corridor and less than 1.5 miles from the Pharr International Trade Bridge, is an 88-acre, master-planned industrial park that has become a premier logistics hub. With three existing class-A facilities totaling 310,000 square feet and the potential for over 500,000 additional square feet of construction, PBBP offers a strategic advantage to businesses in the area.
Martínez’s insights at the Truck Expo showcased how companies like Trancasa, TCA Logistics, and PBBP drive growth, innovation, and job creation in the region, solidifying their role as leaders in the international freight transportation sector.
