Far And Wide: How Logistics Companies Are Facilitating Touring In Latin America (Transportation Special 2026)

For decades, Latin America has been known as a sort of sleeping giant, a region brimming with potential and unlocked by a few special rock acts like Iron Maiden and Guns N’ Roses.

But that has all changed over the past 10 years, especially after COVID, with markets like Colombia investing in its infrastructure to allure global stars and not only make South America a viable stop but a necessary one for artists to grow their touring business. More artists are making their way to perform for Latino fans, making logistics experts in higher demand.

One company to offer such services is Miami-based Merco International, an independent family operation specializing in pyrotechnics and boasting more than two decades of experience navigating Latin America. With more artists on the road pushing the limits of production, heavy cargo that includes stage equipment has gone up significantly, Merco International President Jorge Artaza tells Pollstar.

“South America is a very complex market, not so much because of the logistics— the actual process of moving the cargo— but rather because of the steps we must take to ensure the cargo actually arrives,” says Artaza, whose company has worked on tours for Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney, Disney on Ice, Coldplay, Beyoncé and Bad Bunny. “And once it does arrive, we must ensure that the customs authorities in each country can clear it, allowing us to fulfill our mission.”

While no mission is impossible for companies like Merco, it can sometimes feel like it with the tedious steps some must take to ensure cargo reaches its destination. Travel and transportation within the country isn’t as complicated as having thousands of pounds of equipment arrive at various locations. Artaza says much of a tour’s production is shipped from the U.S., especially when it comes to fireworks.

The main goal for logistics companies is to make the process less complicated and more efficient. Artaza recalls having to inspect more than hundreds of thousands of units to have the correct invoices properly declaring the cargo, which set him back four days.

What helps companies like Merco International and Rock-It Cargo is developing a network of alliances with reliable professionals in each country. Those contacts are essential in ensuring logistics companies comply with local customs laws. The process begins months or even more than a year before the opening concert. Once the production is finalized, Artaza works on determining the amount of pyrotechnic equipment needed for each show as well as the weight of the cargo for each stop, which he presents about two months before the date. Artaza says the goal is to have the cargo ship at least 30 days before the show and have it arrive no sooner than 15 days prior.

While said alliances have alleviated headaches for Artaza, he says the region is still as complicated as it was decades ago.

What’s the simplest solution to the problem?

“Eliminate the bureaucracy and politics of each country,” Artaza says with a chuckle.

Despite its growing influence in the live sector, South America is still very much a work in progress, and the instability of some nations—politically and economically—makes it difficult to move forward with policies that could help the touring business reach its true potential.

But there is an exception, a nation that stands out.

“Colombia is an incredibly convenient place to work because customs are more flexible, and we’ve managed to get things done there, to speed up the process and handle things much quicker than in other countries,” says Artaza.

While government officials deserve some credit for facilitating the international concert business in Colombia, Artaza says that OCESA has been essential to the growth of live.

“Colombia has shot up like 90% when it comes to live shows. It’s the new kid on the block because of its massive development,” says Artaza.

The country’s momentum hasn’t stopped, with another arena opening soon in Medellín, and such development is rubbing off on its neighbors, with a new arena being built in Lima, Peru, and other countries are investing in modernizing soccer stadiums.

A growing infrastructure and significant economic impact may be what it takes for governments to make it easier for logistics companies to operate in South America. For Artaza, that can’t come soon enough.