J.B. Hunt Partners With BNSF, GMXT to Launch Premium Mexico Intermodal Service

Joint effort expands availability of intermodal efficiency and cost savings to Mexico businesses

PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. (NASDAQ: JBHT), one of the largest supply chain solutions providers in North America; BNSF Railway (BNSF), North America’s largest intermodal railroad; and GMXT, the largest rail provider in Mexico announced the launch of a new intermodal offering for Mexico businesses with service-sensitive freight delivery.

The new offering - Quantum de México, a J.B. Hunt, BNSF and GMXT service™ - will follow the successful service model of its US counterpart launched by J.B. Hunt and BNSF in November 2023. Quantum provides the consistency, agility and speed needed to transport sensitive highway freight using rail, meeting businesses’ “just in time” freight needs. 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 utilizes the latest advancements in tracking and monitoring systems, providing real-time visibility and control over shipments, minimizing delays and optimizing performance. Designated J.B. Hunt, BNSF and GMXT support teams will provide 24x7 oversight, delivering consistent and reliable transit times including features like priority drayage as well as railcar loading and unloading.

“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.”

The three announced the new service at the Congreso Intermodal de la Asociación Mexicana del Transporte Intermodal (AMTI) in Puerto Vallarta on May 30. To support customer needs and enable growth in Mexico, J.B. Hunt has opened a new office in Queretaro, Mexico.

Quantum de México will operate on key routes connecting major cities and industrial hubs in both countries. Some of the primary markets served include:

US: Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, the US West Coast, and US eastern destinations
Mexico: Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey

"Quantum de México represents a significant milestone in our commitment to innovation and excellence in logistics,” said Jon Gabriel, group vice president – consumer products at BNSF. “Expanding our reach from coast to coast allows us to harness our collective strengths and broaden our ability to deliver an unparalleled experience to our customers."

In 2024, J.B. Hunt, BNSF and GMXT launched intermodal service to and from Mexico through the Eagle Pass Gateway. Together, the three companies provide one of the most comprehensive transportation networks reaching locations throughout North America:

J.B. Hunt owns and operates the largest intermodal fleet in North America with unparalleled coast-to-coast market access.
BNSF operates the largest intermodal rail network in North America.
GMXT is the largest rail provider in Mexico.

“We have demonstrated that rail and its intermodal services are key allies to industries not only in Mexico but across North America, through a strategic alliance with J.B. Hunt and BNSF. The progress in service quality that we offer allows us to continue innovating while maintaining efficiency and reliability, with new services like Quantum de México,” said Luis Hernández, vice president intermodal at GMXT.

Intermodal Potential in Mexico

As more businesses utilize Mexico to solve supply chain challenges, the country has grown to be one of the Top 10 exporters in the world, with more than 2/3 of those exports destined for the US. Top export industries include automotive, manufacturing, agricultural, electronics and other service-sensitive freight areas. Nearly 70% of freight transported across the Mexico/US border is moved by traditional over-the-road (OTR) highway transport.

The collaboration looks to capitalize on the untapped potential of intermodal service for businesses moving freight in and out of Mexico, including converting OTR highway freight to rail intermodal and optimizing container efficiency. 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 OTR truck transportation.

About J.B. Hunt

J.B. Hunt’s vision is to create the most efficient transportation network in North America. The company’s industry-leading solutions and mode-neutral approach generate value for customers by eliminating waste, reducing costs and enhancing supply chain visibility. Powered by one of the largest company-owned fleets in the country and third-party capacity through its J.B. Hunt 360°^® digital freight marketplace, J.B. Hunt can meet the unique shipping needs of any business, from first mile to final delivery, and every shipment in-between. Through disciplined investments in its people, technology and capacity, J.B. Hunt is delivering exceptional value and service that enable long-term growth for the company and its stakeholders.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. is a Fortune 500 company, an S&P 500 company and a component of the Dow Jones Transportation Average. Its stock trades on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol JBHT. J.B. Hunt Transport Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of JBHT. The company’s services include intermodal, dedicated, refrigerated, truckload, less-than-truckload, flatbed, single source, last mile, transload and more. For more information, visit www.jbhunt.com.

About BNSF Railway

BNSF Railway is one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies. BNSF operates approximately 32,500 route miles of track in 28 states and three Canadian provinces. BNSF is one of the top transporters of consumer goods, grain and agricultural products, low-sulfur coal, and industrial goods such as petroleum, chemicals, housing materials, food, and beverages. BNSF’s shipments help feed, clothe, supply, and power American homes and businesses every day. BNSF and its employees have developed one of the most technologically advanced, and efficient railroads in the industry. We work continuously to improve the value of the safety, service, energy, and environmental benefits we provide to our customers and the communities we serve. You can learn more about BNSF at www.BNSF.com.

About GMXT

GMXT (BMV: GMXT) is the leading ground transportation company in Mexico with the best coverage and connectivity. GMXT covers 24 states of Mexico, almost 90% of the country's GDP, and a significant presence in Florida and Texas. GMXT’s network has an unrivaled seamless integration with the rest of North America through 6 interchange points along the US-Mexico border. More information about GMXT is available at https://gmxt.mx/