Gestión eficiente de almacenes temporales y su impacto en la optimización del despacho aduanero en Huaquillas

Abstract

The present essay analyzes the efficient management of temporary warehouses and its impact on customs clearance in Huaquillas, Ecuador. It highlights that these facilities play a strategic role in the logistics chain by facilitating the custody, control, and nationalization of goods. However, limitations in infrastructure, digitalization, manual processes, and institutional coordination are identified, which generate delays and higher operating costs. The study, using a mixed-methods approach, combines semi-structured surveys applied to 30 actors in foreign trade (administrators, carriers, and customs officials) with documentary review. The results show that although 60% perceive the infrastructure as adequate, 67% consider clearance times to be slow, and 70% observe deficient inter-institutional coordination. Likewise, two-thirds of respondents rated the quality of service as inefficient. The main difficulties identified are bureaucracy, lack of equipment, and insufficiently trained personnel. Among the proposed improvements are automation, digital traceability, the use of technologies such as WMS, RFID, and blockchain, as well as periodic coordination meetings and collaborative platforms. International cases, such as reforms in Peru, Chile, and Mexico, show that technological modernization and staff training strengthen logistics competitiveness. In conclusion, the work confirms that the efficiency of temporary warehouses directly affects the speed and quality of customs clearance. Investment in infrastructure, digitalization, continuous training, and institutional coordination is recommended to optimize the logistics system in Huaquillas.