Mexico City – September 18, 2026 -- Ferrovalle, operator of one of Mexico's largest inland rail freight hubs, has selected INFORM's Syncrotess Optimization Plus software to power a Smart Yard automation initiative at its Mexico City terminal, with go-live targeted for June 2027. Ferrovalle's intermodal division handled around 550,000 TEUs in 2025, ranking it among Latin America's largest inland intermodal operations. The contract was signed in early September 2026.
Optimization layer to run alongside Ferrovalle's in-house TOS
Rather than replacing Ferrovalle's internally developed Terminal Operating System, Syncrotess Optimization Plus will operate as an additional layer, exchanging train consist data, load plans, container status, clearance information, and operational updates. The software combines INFORM's Yard Optimizer, Crane Optimizer, Vehicle Optimizer, and Train Load Optimizer to coordinate decisions across yard, equipment, and train operations.
Initial fleet covers eight RTG cranes, four reach stackers, 14 tractors
The optimized equipment fleet at launch 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.
System must separate customs-cleared and customs-controlled yards
The project covers two specific yards -- customs-cleared and customs-controlled -- and the optimization must maintain this separation while accounting for different processes for maritime and cross-border containers. Dedicated inspection and loading areas will be integrated through automated tractor assignments and status exchanges with Ferrovalle's TOS. Integration with the terminal's Equipment Control System will enable automatic weight verification during routine crane lifts, eliminating separate weighing stops.
Customs clearance gates container release for train loading
Before Syncrotess Optimization Plus assigns a container for train loading, Ferrovalle's TOS must confirm that necessary customs and documentation clearance has been granted, with only cleared containers released for loading. The Train Load Optimizer will automate a currently largely manual planning process, generating optimized load plans based on available containers, train configurations, operational restrictions, and clearance status, while planners retain the ability to review and adjust proposed plans.
Francisco Fabila, Managing Director of Ferrovalle, said the goal is real-time digital visibility for every train, railcar, container, and truck moving through the operation, supported by automated data capture and AI-driven decision support.