In Mexico, freight transport mobilizes 81.1% of the total merchandise transported within the national territory, and if ports are included, transport contributes just over 50% of the total , according to data from the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT) .
Based on statistics from the General Directorate of Federal Motor Transport (DGAF) , in December 2024 the motor fleet was made up of 723,462 vehicles, of which 66% were tractor-trailers.
The growing fleet, along with increased consumption and commercial activities, has led to a greater transit of transport units on national roads and highways, which is why specialists warn about the need to increase the incorporation of technologies that can reduce risk on the roads.
Motivated by the incident that occurred on the Mexico-Puebla highway involving a transport unit with several private cars, the implementation of various regulations for transport units has been put back on the table.
In the view of José Manuel Álvarez, general director of Cofremex , it would be an opportune moment for the authority to review the incorporation of more technological elements in vehicles, as happens in other countries, where there is a correlation between this type of technology for motor transport and the reduction of accidents.
“I firmly believe that there is still a long way to go in terms of friction-free brakes in Mexico compared to other countries, regardless of whether it is a full or single,” Álvarez told T21.
In the case of friction-free brakes, in some European countries such as Spain, it is mandatory to incorporate friction-free brakes, which aim to reduce the risk of accidents due to brake problems (heating), as a result of the efficiency and independence of friction-free equipment.
The manager described that thanks to the fact that friction-free equipment assumes at least 70% of the braking demand of the vehicles, “it allows us to have the service brakes (pads and drums) in perfect condition to stop the units.”
Currently in Mexico there is friction-free equipment for motor transport applications ranging from 3.5 to 75.5 tons of gross vehicle weight (GVW) , either through hydraulic or electromagnetic retarders.
“I believe that tests have been carried out for years and there are studies on the great effectiveness of this equipment. I understand that the use of this type of technology should be made mandatory in large tonnage units such as special merchandise (fuels, hazardous materials, etc.). As an example, all buses in Mexico, although it is not the norm, use it for safety reasons,” said José Manuel Álvarez.
The director emphasized that in addition to safety, there are other advantages such as savings generated for transporters, which is reflected in less use of brake pads, but also in the reduction of wear on tires and other components.
