(Originally published on 9/Feb/2026)
The evolution of logistics in the Central American
the Central American Pacific is increasingly responding to the need for integrated, agile solutions close to the markets.
integrated, agile solutions that are close to the markets. In this context, the articulation
between the operational capabilities of the Port of Chiapas and the logistics proposal of the ZDEEP Zona Libre Puerta del
the ZDEEP Zona Libre Puerta del Istmo Free Zone emerges as a strategic
alternative that broadens and strengthens the options for trade flows in the region.
the region.
This dynamic is compounded by a decisive
geographical proximity between Puerto Chiapas and the Puerta del Istmo Free Zone, located in Pajapita, San Marcos, Guatemala.
Puerta del Istmo Free Zone, located in Pajapita, San Marcos, Guatemala. The
distance between the two points is approximately 59 kilometers, with a land transfer time of about one hour.
time of close to one hour, which makes this connection one of the shortest and shortest logistical
one of the shortest and most efficient logistical corridors in the Pacific region.
This proximity translates into
lower operating costs, faster delivery times, and a more predictable operation for importers, industries and
and a more predictable operation for importers, industry and logistics operators
and logistics operators seeking to compete in an increasingly demanding environment.
The efficiency of the corridor is not only
theoretical. Recently, the first ship from Asia with goods destined for a user of the ZDEEP Free Trade Zone
from Asia with goods destined for a user of the ZDEEP Zona Libre Puerta del Istmo, using the Port
of the Isthmus, using the Port of Chiapas as the point of arrival.
The operation was carried out without
operation was carried out without anchorage times, which allowed for a significant reduction in port costs and greater unloading
port costs and greater efficiency in unloading. Subsequently, the cargo was
The cargo was then mobilized under the international transit scheme, using Mexican
and entering directly to the ZDEEP Puerta del Istmo.
This practical exercise validates the
integration and demonstrates how this connection already generates real and measurable benefits for traders and
and measurable benefits for regional trade operators and users.
regional trade.
A platform designed for
efficiency
The ZDEEP Puerta del Istmo operates under a special regime in Guatemala
operates under a special regime in Guatemala that incorporates fiscal and operational
operational benefits, aligned with international trade requirements. In addition to this
infrastructure: its Central Transfer Station, which allows the direct entry of Mexican
direct entry of Mexican transportation -trucks, containers, and dredges with Mexican
Mexican-registered vans, containers and dredges - without the need for transshipments or intermediate maneuvers at traditional border crossings.
traditional border crossings.
This model facilitates operations
authorized weights and dimensions in Mexico, reduces the time required for customs processes and
and is articulated with joint Guatemala-Mexico customs schemes, eliminating historic
Guatemala-Mexico, eliminating historical barriers in land transit and providing greater
and bringing greater efficiency to the regional logistics chain.
“From the ZDEEP Puerta del Istmo
We have worked to offer a logistics platform that reduces barriers to cross-border trade.
barriers to cross-border trade. The Transfer Center is part of this
of that effort and, today, with the articulation of the international transit service from Puerto Chiapas, it is
the international transit service from Puerto Chiapas, it consolidates as an additional contribution of the ZDEEPs to safe, efficient trade and
to safe, efficient trade and logistics that respond to the demands of today's world trade.
current world trade”.”,
says Fredy Palma, general manager of Zona Libre Puerta del Istmo.
More alternatives for Pacific
Pacific trade
The combination of the Port of Chiapas
port efficiency, the short land distance and the infrastructure and conditions of the ZDEEP regime
infrastructure and conditions of the ZDEEP regime concretely expands the logistical alternatives for the
the logistics alternatives for the Central American market.
This corridor does not replace other
routes, but rather complements and strengthens the regional logistics network with a more dynamic, competitive and
more dynamic, competitive and aligned to the needs of modern commerce.
modern trade.
In an environment where logistics
has become a key factor of competitiveness, this connection sends a clear message: the Central American Pacific is moving towards more agile
Pacific Central America is moving toward more agile, integrated models that are ready to respond to the dynamics of global trade,
integrated and prepared to respond to the dynamics of global trade.