Estafeta has begun implementing vehicle markings as part of the highway safety strategy promoted by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT).
The regulation, published on February 7 in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) , requires owners of federal trucking fleets to identify their units using decals, paint, or tarps, depending on the configuration of each vehicle, and incorporating the alphanumeric data corresponding to their license plate.
In theory, beaconing is intended to reduce theft rates. But is it really helping? Most trucking companies already have advanced vehicle monitoring and tracking technologies, so carriers and other industry players have expressed their concerns to T21 about the effectiveness of this regulation and the costs it would entail for the companies .
While the SICT estimates the cost of markings at 250 pesos per unit , companies in the sector claim the actual cost is considerably higher. Although hated by many and accepted by others, markings have made their way into the Mexican trucking industry.
As a result, Estafeta continues to comply with current recommendations, regulations, and standards for trucking , as explained by company leaders during its road safety event.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT), including Paulino Herrera, Executive Director of Supervision for the General Directorate of Federal Motor Transport (DGAF) , and Jorge Sánchez Núñez, Executive Director of Regulations and Permits for Federal Motor Transport at the DGAF.
Mauricio Salvatori, Estafeta’s national operations director, emphasized the importance of this effort by the company for the safety of transportation in Mexico, as they move more than 300,000 shipments across the country every day.
According to Salvatori, the markings are another step in the efforts the company has made over the years to ensure the safety of its transporters. With a fleet of 7,500 vehicles, the company has begun identifying 2,596 units.
“1,230 trailers, 614 trucks, 462 tractor-trailers, 209 box trucks, and 79 vans. We’re estimating around one million pesos, which is our current program cost, to mark the units,” Salvatori explained.
Although the company is adhering to the regulations , which are not mandatory according to the SICT, Estafeta’s investment costs in marking are still above the 250 pesos per unit estimated by the authority .
Safety beyond beaconing!
In addition to complying with the regulations on vehicle markings, the company has invested in the use of safety technology , ongoing training for its drivers, and comprehensive support for its operational teams .
During the event, Estafeta ‘s commitment to its employees was highlighted, as several of its operators were awarded the 2024 National Road Safety Award .
“You have to hit the road with a very strong mindset, because you don’t know if you’ll come back,” explained Enrique Bautista, one of the award winners.
With 15 years of experience and a full-size tractor-trailer (double trailer) operator at Estafeta, Bautista commented on what motivates him every day: “the family waiting for him at home.” Despite the risks, he emphasized the importance of the support he receives from the company, especially in the area of safety.
Another award winner was Hugo Manzano, who explained: “The company has given me stability and work. Estafeta’s safety culture is not only found on the routes, but also in the comprehensive support we drivers receive.”
Javier Villanueva , legal manager of Estafeta , emphasized the company’s commitment to implementing measures that go beyond marking.
He explained that one of the pillars of the collaboration with the SICT is the implementation of the Carta Porte Complement , which guarantees the legality and security of the transport of goods, ensuring compliance with legal provisions and strengthening the trust of our customers.
Additionally, he highlighted the successful migration of AICM ‘s air operations to AIFA , which was made possible with the support of the SICT . “This new strategic location has improved efficiency and delivery times, benefiting more than 60 cities in the country,” Villanueva explained.
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