A newly-launched logistics venture, which will create an international gateway at Lambert St. Louis International Airport, aims to focus on trade between Mexico and the US.
Bi-National Gateway Terminal has taken a 20-year lease on a 49-acre site on the edge of one of the airport’s four runways, where it will construct a major cargo handling facility. On completion, the new terminal will serve multimodal cargo needs and be equipped to handle perishables, live animals, high value shipments, express and general cargo with an initial focus on Mexico and Latin America.
The trade relationship between the US and Mexico is constantly expanding and the aim of the new facility is to provide a solution to the traditional delays and congestion experienced by importers and exporters.
Ricardo Nicolopulos, founder and president of Bi-National Cargo Terminal, said: “Mexico is the third largest trade partner with the USA, and we aim to improve the flow of cargo moving between these two major markets. Ultimately, we intend to provide a link between the Americas and all major world markets.
“In addition to developing the new terminal facilities, we are working closely with the Mexican authorities to introduce fast–track pre-clearance and security functions for exports from the USA.
“Once approved, this pre-clearance system will expedite import traffic into Mexico. Eventually, however, it will also enable Mexico to export by air in a more reliable and efficient manner that will enhance the country’s position as a trade partner for the world.”
The site for the new facility is being leased to Bi-National Cargo Terminal by Lambert St. Louis International Airport; the airport is delighted to welcome its new resident, says its
David Lancaster, cargo development director of Bi-National Cargo Terminal, said: “Lambert St. Louis is the ideal platform for this type of cargo operation, which exploits our strengths in terms of location and ease of intermodal connectivity with highways, rail and river.
“Bi-National Cargo Terminal plans to begin construction by the summer of 2015, and is expected to complete phase 1 within 30 months. The facility will consist of 500,000 sq ft of terminal, and 1 million sq ft of cargo ramp and support infrastructure for airlines using the facility. This expansion will help us to attract new cargo services to the airport and expand upon the region’s logistics footprint.”
He concludes: “This new venture is visionary, and we look forward to working closely with Nicolopulos and his team to grow the operation over the coming years.”
