For the ninth time, the National Chamber of Cargo Transportation (Canacar)awarded the Canacar Distinction to 326 companies that have processes, policies, programs and actions that contribute to the professionalization of the sector , under the program “Transporting the Country, Transporting Mexico.” Likewise, during 2024, 9,344 people were trained and 3,842 DC-3 certificates were issued.
This year, companies received 383 awards , of which 56 were at the basic level, 52 at the intermediate level, and 48 at the advanced level. In turn, 70 awards were given to companies for successfully completing the Financial Education diploma, 44 in the Cargo Transportation Economics diploma, 35 in the Human Factor: Key Element in Organizations diploma, 30 in the Energy Efficiency in Cargo Transportation diploma, and 48 in the Technical Assistance Tools for your Business diploma.
“The Canacar Distinctive not only symbolizes the efforts of our affiliated companies, but also reflects the strength and evolution of all the country’s cargo transportation sectors. Today we celebrate those who take on the challenge of professionalization, adopting best practices that strengthen our operation and prepare us to face a future full of challenges and opportunities. We are living a crucial moment for our industry due to the nearshoring phenomenon that is transforming the commercial dynamics of the entire world and our country is at the center of all the change,” said Miguel Ángel Martínez Millán, national president of Canacar.
This year the program has trained 9,125 people , of which 536 were in tools and technical assistance, 484 in energy efficiency, 2,064 in human factor, 1,342 in economics, 411 in financial education, 669 at advanced level, 1,919 at intermediate level and 1,700 at advanced level.
For his part, Luis Ruiz, head of the General Directorate of Federal Auto Transport (DGAF) of the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT) , acknowledged that the Canacar Distinction is key to the development of auto transport in Mexico and represents an example of collaboration between the private sector and government agencies to achieve the common goal of advancing the professionalization of human resources.
In his turn, Alejandro Malagón, president of the Confederation of Industrial Chambers of the United Mexican States (Concamin) , stressed the urgency of solving road insecurity. “We have to put an end to the theft of goods, threats and extortion, we demand an end to insecurity and impunity. There is no safe Mexico without safe roads, no more drivers can be harmed,” he said.
Another key issue is infrastructure maintenance. Malagón said that it is not acceptable that two out of every three kilometers of federal highway are in poor condition . Finally, he said that it is crucial to address the lack of operators and the renewal of the vehicle fleet.
IRU recognizes operators
As part of the Canacar Distinction Award ceremony, the International Road Transport Union (IRU) recognized the work of operators with the honorary diploma. This year, 573 operators were recognized for their excellent driving and safety records .
This award is given to drivers who have driven professionally and safely for a minimum of one million kilometres nationally or internationally, without causing any serious accident involving bodily injury, over the past 20 years.
The national president of Canacar stressed that cargo transportation plays a fundamental role in the growth of each nation, by promoting trade, employment, security and environmental protection.
“In order for operators to continue carrying out their work, it is necessary to have a good road infrastructure, modern units with high technology to reduce road accidents and to protect the environment. It is also necessary to have safe rest stops that provide comfort, but above all, safety. These factors are decisive for operators, which is why we are committed to improving the working conditions for each and every one of the operators,” said Martínez Millán.
For his part, Martín Rojas, senior advisor for the Americas at IRU, said that it is crucial for the organization to reinforce the importance of the sector in the world. “At a global level, cargo transport represents between 70 and 90% of all cargo transport, this could not be done without operators, so it is essential to focus on professionalization, infrastructure, road safety and digitalization,” he said.
He also commented that the joint work between the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the Canadian Trucking Alliance and Canacar will continue to work on common issues such as the Treaty between Mexico, the United States and Canada (T-MEC) , because without freight transport this treaty could not be a reality, since it participates in 70% of the cargo movements between the three countries.
“Let us continue to promote the essentiality of our industry and, above all, of our operators,” Rojas said.
