C.H. Robinson expands El Paso operations with 450,000 square-foot facility to meet rising Mexico trade demand

Taking steps to further expand its United States-Mexico border operations and presence, Eden Prairie, Minn.-based global third-party logistics (3PL) services provider and freight forwarder C.H. Robinson said this week it has added more than 450,000 square-feet of warehousing and cross-border docking space in El Paso, Texas, which it said brings the company’s U.S.-Mexico logistics footprint to more than 2 million square-feet.

“We continue to see El Paso emerge as a vital gateway for not just high-tech freight, but also automotive, medical devices, and healthcare products,” said Jay Cornmesser, vice president for Mexico cross-border services at C.H. Robinson. “Juárez, located just across the border, has a substantial maquiladora manufacturing base. Our expansion in El Paso is a direct response to the evolving needs of our customers in today’s dynamic trade landscape.”

C.H. Robinson’s Cornmesser provided LM with details about this announcement in a Q&A below.

LM: What drove the need for CHR to expand its North American cross-border operations in El Paso? How long had it been planned or in the works?

Cornmesser: The expansion came down to two big things: growing Mexico exports and ongoing nearshoring. Mexico’s exports jumped over 13% from last year, and Chihuahua—just across the border from El Paso—is leading the pack with a nearly 36% increase in export value in just the first half of 2025. Industries like tech, automotive, and medical devices are really driving that volume, and they need logistics that can keep up and flex as they grow. That’s why El Paso has become such an important gateway. It’s the spot where we can make the biggest impact for these businesses and our customers.

This has been in the works for months as part of our larger strategy to keep building C.H. Robinson’s border network and give our customers the support everywhere they need. It builds on what we’ve already done in Laredo and aligns with our long-term vision to help customers build resilient supply chains, especially when global trade feels so unpredictable.

LM: What are the main benefits of this expansion for your customers?

Cornmesser: You know what they say in real estate: location, location, location. With our new 450,000 square feet of space in El Paso, our customers now have access to more warehousing and cross-docking space right where it’s needed most. Space is historically tight along the U.S.-Mexico border, so having this extra capacity near Juárez’s maquiladora hub and the booming export activity out of Chihuahua is a big advantage for shippers. Our customers in automotive, tech, and healthcare benefit especially, since those sectors are driving much of the growth in that area.

What really sets us apart is our integrated cross-border logistics model. We combine transportation, customs, cutting-edge technology, and local expertise to deliver the flexibility and scalability our customers need. This new space in El Paso strengthens our ability to offer seamless end-to-end solutions—from customs clearance to warehousing and transport—which is critical for businesses dealing with changing trade regulations, considering nearshoring, or looking to grow in new markets. We’re here to help our customers stay ahead and keep their supply chains moving smoothly.

LM: What are the main competitive advantages of this expansion for CHR?

Cornmesser: This investment really solidifies C.H. Robinson’s leadership as the go-to cross-border logistics provider in North America. With the new space in El Paso, we now have over 2 million square feet along the U.S.–Mexico border, which is a differentiator. It’s not just about the size, though. When you pair it with our existing network and deep expertise, this facility gives us even more muscle to deliver true end-to-end solutions, whether it’s customs, transportation, or warehousing.

What I’m most proud of is how our Lean operating model keeps us dedicated to continuous improvement and putting our customers first. Our approach isn’t just a buzzword. It guides everything from our Lean AI strategy to the decisions we make about cross-border operations.