Ferrovalle and INFORM Partner to Advance AI-Powered Intermodal Operations in Mexico City

INFORM, a global leader in AI-driven logistics and operational optimization, today announced Ferrovalle has selected its Syncrotess Optimization Plus software to power a major Smart Yard initiative in Mexico City. Ferrovalle operates one of Mexico’s most important rail freight hubs and serves as a key last-mile connection for rail traffic moving through the Valley of Mexico. Its intermodal division handled around 550,000 TEUs in 2025, making it one of Latin America’s largest inland intermodal operations.

Taking automation beyond the gate

With its Smart Yard project, Ferrovalle is extending its automation further into terminal operations. Planning container storage, equipment deployment, and train loading and discharge currently still relies to a significant degree on manual criteria and dispatcher experience. Syncrotess Optimization Plus will use operational data from Ferrovalle’s existing systems to provide greater operational transparency and generate coordinated, continuously updated recommendations.

“Smart Yard represents an important next step in Ferrovalle’s digital transformation and in our vision for the future of intermodal operations,” said Francisco Fabila, Managing Director of Ferrovalle. “Our objective is clear: every train, every railcar, every container and every truck moving through our operation should have real-time digital visibility, supported with automated data capture, advanced analytics and AI-driven decision support by INFORM. By integrating these capabilities into our existing digital ecosystem, we are giving our teams better tools to operate more efficiently, consistently, and safely. Ultimately, technology is not the objective in itself; it is an enabler to deliver a more predictable, reliable and customer-focused service.”

The solution combines INFORM’s Yard Optimizer, Crane Optimizer, Vehicle Optimizer, and Train Load Optimizer. The initial optimized fleet includes eight RTG cranes, four reach stackers, and 14 terminal tractors. Ferrovalle aims to increase equipment throughput, improve the ratio of billable moves to total handling volume, and meet defined service-level targets for truck handling, train loading, and train discharging.

A key feature of the project is its hybrid architecture. Rather than replacing Ferrovalle’s internally developed TOS, Syncrotess Optimization Plus will operate as an additional optimization layer, exchanging train consist data, load plans, container status, clearance information, and operational updates.

Optimization within a complex customs environment

The project covers two specific yards: customs-cleared and customs-controlled yards. The optimization must maintain this separation while also accounting for different processes for maritime and cross-border containers.

Dedicated inspection and loading areas will be integrated into the workflow through automated tractor assignments and status exchanges with Ferrovalle’s TOS. Additionally, integration with the terminal’s Equipment Control System (ECS) enables automatic weight verification during routine crane lifts, eliminating separate weighing stops and keeping cargo moving.

Customs clearance will be incorporated directly into operational decision-making. Before Syncrotess Optimization Plus assigns a container for train loading, Ferrovalle’s TOS confirms that the necessary customs and documentation clearance has been granted. Only cleared containers can be released for loading.

“Ferrovalle already has a sophisticated digital infrastructure, so this project is not about replacing existing systems,” said Dr. Eva Savelsberg, Senior Vice President Terminal & Distribution Center Logistics at INFORM. “The task is to connect the available data with intelligent optimization and coordinate decisions across yard, equipment, and train operations.”

To further streamline intermodal rail transfers, the Train Load Optimizer will additionally automate a planning process that is currently largely manual. It generates optimized train load plans based on available containers, train configurations, operational restrictions, and clearance status. Planners remain able to review and adjust the proposed plans when required.

The contract was signed in early September 2026, with go-live planned approximately nine months later in June 2027.