Panama: The Logistics Engine of Latin America with Demo Perez

Demo Perez and Joe Lynch discuss Panama: the logistics engine of Latin America. Demo is a Founding Partner and Chief Commercial Officer of IPL Group, a Panama based 3PL that helps companies expand their business into the Latin American market by simplifying order fulfillment and regional distribution. About Demostenes (DEMO) Perez   With over 20 years of experience, Demostenes Perez is a seasoned executive in Latin America's supply chain landscape. As a visionary leader, he specializes in creating growth opportunities by designing innovative logistics solutions that enhance efficiency, safety, and market access across the region. Key Areas of Expertise: Regional warehousing, fulfillment, and distribution Value-added services and light manufacturing Business development and strategic management Government affairs, trade consulting, and business advisory As the Founding Partner and Chief Commercial Officer of IPL Group, Mr. Perez has established a strong leadership presence in the logistics industry. His hands-on approach and strategic mindset have led to the successful execution of numerous regional distribution projects for global corporations, cementing his role as a key influencer in the field. Mr. Perez's commitment to the industry extends to active roles on the board of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) and as President of the Board of Directors of GS1 Panama. He is also a passionate advocate for education, collaborating with leading U.S. universities to advance supply chain knowledge and practices in Latin America. About IPL Group IPL Group helps global firms expand their business into the Latin American market. IPL Group is based in Panama, which is the go-to country for companies that want to expand into the huge, fast-growing Latin American market. IPL Group specializes in Latin American warehousing and distribution. IPL offers a wide array of value-added services that help customers comply with the rules and regulations of the different countries in the LATAM region as well as special needs from distributors, retailers, and individual customers. IPL Group is also a full-service freight brokerage and freight forwarder. Key Takeaways: Panama: The Logistics Engine of Latin America Panama acts as a logistics hub for distributing goods across Latin America. The Latin American (LATAM) region requires localized expertise to navigate varying regulations, trade agreements, cultural differences, and customer requirements for efficient distribution, bundling, and compliance. Panama offers significant cost advantages over Miami for logistics operations, particularly in real estate and labor costs, while serving the Americas region effectively due to its strategic location. Panama’s history as a distribution and shipping center dates back to the Spanish colonization, leading to the construction of the Panama Canal, a vital global maritime trade route. Panama’s strategic location and efficient logistics capabilities offer advantages for US companies distributing products across Latin America, enabling faster delivery, lower costs, and increased market share. Centralized inventory with local distribution in Latin America maximizes flexibility and minimizes risk due to the complexity of these markets. The Chips Act aims to nearshore semiconductor chip manufacturing and related industries to the region, including Mexico, Panama, and Costa Rica, to increase regional supply chain resilience. Complex trade relationships and tariffs in Latin America require specialized expertise for market access and distribution logistics. Panama serves as the logistics engine of Latin America, with partners essential for nearshoring supply chains and leveraging Panama’s platform to serve the region with its benefits. Timestamps (00:00:02) Panama: The Logistics Engine of Latin America (00:03:02) Differing Regulations across Countries (00:05:41) Venezuela's Market Decline (00:07:38) Cost Advantages of Panama over Miami (00:09:49) Panama's History as a Distribution Center (00:16:36) Importance of Panama Canal for Global Trade (00:22:37) U.S. Relationship with Panama (00:27:21) Panama's Efficiency for Latin American Distribution (00:33:38) Flexibility with Realized Inventory (00:37:36) CHIPS Act and Panama's Logistics Focus (00:42:36) Streamlining Trade Relationships in Latin America (00:44:42) CSCMP Board Member Role (00:46:21) CSCMP Edge 2024 Conference (00:48:17) Panama as a Logistics Partner for Near-shoring Learn More About Panama: The Logistics Engine of Latin America Demo Perez | Linkedin IPL Group | Linkedin IPL Group 7 Reasons Panama is the Latin American Supply Chain Capital with Demo Perez | The Logistics of Logistics 5 Challenges to Expanding into Latin America with Demo Perez | The Logistics of Logistics The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. 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The Logistics of Logistics is a podcast hosted by industry expert Joe Lynch. Joe interviews founders, executives, and innovators who are shaping the future of logistics and supply chain. Topics include transportation, logistics, warehousing, technology, supply chain, and ecommerce. The Logistics of Logistics audience expects an inside perspective of what’s next in logistics and supply chain delivered via podcasts, videos, and articles. Topics include: Transportation Topics Small package, Small parcel, Air Cargo, Ocean Shipping, Ocean freight, Bulk carriers, Cargo ships, Container ships, Tankers (ocean tankers), Refrigerated ships (reefers), Roll-on/roll-off ships, Multi-purpose ship, General cargo ship, Break bulk cargo, General cargo, Less Than Truckload, LTL, Tractor, Trailers, Tractor-trailers, 48-foot trailer, 53-foot trailer, Truck lift-gate, Truck terminals, Truckload (TL), Full Truckload (FTL), Freight, Palleted freight, Pallets, Fleet acquisition, Equipment, Drivers, Truck Drivers, Driver leasing, Driver training, Driver safety, Hours of Service (HOS), Electronic Logging Device (ELD), Driver outsourcing, Dedicated Contract Carriage (DCC) Carrier contract, Spot rates, Contract rates, Pickup and delivery, Carrier Instructions, Freight characteristics, Dock management, Intermodal, Containerization, Containers, Final mile, Last mile, Rail transportation Warehousing Topics Warehouse storage, manufacturers, importers, exporters, wholesalers, transport businesses, customs, Pick and Pack, Sub-assembly, Site Location, Distribution Center Management, Inbound shipping, Outbound shipping, Receiving, Putaway, Put-away, Order processing, Replenishment, Pulling, Restocking, Picking, Validation, Sorting, Distribution Center Management System (DCMS), Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), Supply, Demand, Inventory, Inventory Management, Cross-docking, Cross-dock, Ecommerce fulfillment, Fulfillment, Packaging Logistics Topics 3rd party logistics, 3PL, 4th party logistics, 4PL, Just-in-Time (JIT), Payment auditing, Freight auditing, Payment Processing, Freight brokerage, Freight broker, Digital freight brokerage, Digital freight broker, Transparency, Visibility Special Topics Direct to Home, Direct to Store, Sustainability, Green Logistics, Reverse Logistics, Product Lifecycle Management, Supply Chain Security Analysis, Contingency planning, Crisis Planning, Global Expansion, Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ), Logistics Consulting, Transportation Consulting, Import / Export, Customs, Labor Management, Marketing Services, Customer Service Technology Topics Supply chain technology, Freighttech, Freight tech, Freight technology, EDI, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Predictive Analytics, Technology Services, Web Services, Global Trade Management (GTM), Transportation Management System (TMS), Warehouse Management System (WMS), Supplier Management, Customer Management, Cloud Based Solutions, Wireless