C.H. Robinson’s fresh supply chain division, Robinson Fresh, has opened a new 142,600-square-foot logistics center in Pharr, Texas, located miles from the U.S.-Mexico border to help produce shippers reduce dwell time and optimize freshness.
The facility, one of the largest in the Rio Grande Valley, is positioned near the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge – the most important U.S.-Mexico border crossing for perishables – as well as the Anzalduas International Bridge. It also offers easy access to U.S. Highway 281, McAllen International Airport, nearby railroad lines and the ports of Brownsville and Matamoros, Mexico.
Critical infrastructure for produce imports
According to C.H. Robinson, 98 percent of all fresh produce imported from Mexico enters the U.S. through Texas, New Mexico, Arizona or California. Of that total, 55 percent goes through Texas, making border-adjacent logistics infrastructure increasingly critical for retailers and hospitality businesses focused on speed, freshness, and reliability.
“Cross-border supply chains demand speed, precision, and a tight focus on each customer’s needs,” said Jose Rossignoli, president of Robinson Fresh.
“This South Texas facility brings those capabilities together in one place, helping customers reduce dwell time, control costs, and get products to market faster. It’s one more example of how we’re offering produce shippers one integrated bundle of scale, technology, human expertise and tailored solutions.”
Features designed for freshness
The newly constructed building features 69 dock doors, multiple temperature zones and value-added services. It is certified to Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards and USDA Organic requirements. Embedded into C.H. Robinson’s end-to-end logistics platform and the largest temperature-controlled network in the nation, the facility is purpose-built to support fresh produce supply chains with:
- Faster customs clearance and reduced border dwell times
- Immediate cooling, ripening, quality control and repacking capabilities
- Optimized consolidation and cross-dock operations
“This new investment confirms our strategic commitment to South Texas,” said Todd Bernitt, VP of Managed Solutions.
“The more we can inspect, cool, repack, and label products immediately at the border, the more we expand our ability to protect product quality from the moment it enters the U.S., while giving shippers more flexibility in how and when inventory moves to its destination.”
Reaching major markets in days
From South Texas, customers can reach major consumption markets across the country:
- Midwest and South: one to three days
- East Coast: three to four days
- West Coast: if and when the market requires it
By shortening transit times and improving network optionality, the facility helps customers improve fill rates, on-time-in-full performance and inventory freshness.
“The South Texas logistics center is the latest example of how Robinson Fresh continues to invest in infrastructure, technology, and expertise to help customers navigate increasingly complex global supply chains,” Rossignoli added. “This is how we keep raising the bar and delivering the exceptional service our fresh produce customers expect.”
About C.H. Robinson
C.H. Robinson positions itself as a global leader in Lean AI supply chains, managing 37 million shipments annually representing $23 billion in freight. The company serves 75,000 customers and 450,000 contract carriers across truckload, less-than-truckload, ocean, air and other modes.
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