July 15, 2025
8th Annual Modernization of Cross-Border Trade Event 2025 Recap
On June 17, 2025, Reliance Partners proudly hosted the 8th Annual Modernization of Cross-Border Trade event at the Laredo Country Club in Laredo, Texas. With over 500 logistics professionals in attendance, this year marked our largest and most impactful event to date—bringing together thought leaders from across the U.S. and Mexico to discuss the future of freight, investment, and security in an increasingly dynamic cross-border environment.
What began eight years ago as an insurance-focused gathering has transformed into one of the most anticipated forums for cross-border collaboration. Today, it serves as a powerful platform for logistics professionals, customs brokers, technology innovators, and capacity providers to come together and exchange actionable insight.
Industry Conversations That Matter
Our 2025 seminar featured a dynamic range of panels and keynotes addressing some of the most pressing topics in cross-border trade, including:
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What to expect from the 2026 USMCA review with new presidential leadership in both the U.S. and Mexico
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Smart strategies for utilizing warehouse space across the border
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Key factors cross-border investment firms are tracking this year
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How to properly vet and partner with cross-border carriers
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Practical tech for logistics operations in Mexico
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A U.S.-Mexico customs brokerage discussion featuring U.S. Customs and Border Protection
A recurring theme throughout the day was the critical need for modern, effective cargo insurance solutions.
The Growing Demand for Cross-Border Insurance
As cross-border freight volume rises, so does the complexity—and risk. A 3% increase in cargo truck hijackings was reported in Mexico in 2023, underscoring why insurance is more vital than ever. Our EVP and Head of International Logistics, Mark Vickers, spoke to the key differences between U.S.-issued and Mexican cargo insurance, highlighting how many traditional Mexican policies fall short on coverage, documentation, and claim reliability.
U.S.-issued Mexican cargo insurance, like what we offer through Borderless Coverage, empowers shippers and brokers with a stronger, more dependable solution—delivering claim resolutions directly in the U.S., without the delays and exclusions typical of Mexican-issued policies.
Because Mexican law caps carrier liability and only covers negligence, shippers are often left vulnerable. Borderless Coverage fills this gap with transparent, tailored policies that reduce disputes, simplify compliance, and protect operational flow.
Tools to Improve Visibility and Risk Awareness
Our commitment to solving real problems doesn’t stop at insurance. That’s why we created the Cargo Truck Hijacking Portal, the first and only open-source database for cargo hijackings in Mexico. This tool provides journalists, logistics professionals, and nearshoring strategists with access to curated federal data to better understand risk along key transit routes.
Looking Ahead
The cross-border landscape is changing fast—driven by nearshoring, new leadership, and global economic shifts. To navigate that change, industry stakeholders must work together. Events like Modernization of Cross-Border Trade allow us to share knowledge, build stronger partnerships, and push the conversation forward.
We’re already looking ahead to the 9th Annual Modernization of Cross-Border Trade in 2026 and remain committed to serving as a trusted partner in logistics, insurance, and cross-border innovation.
You can read the full event recap from our friends at FreightWaves here.
