Fleet management in Mexico is moving beyond schemes focused solely on fuel control to advance towards models that integrate maintenance information, tolls, telemetry and electrification, with the goal of improving operational efficiency and reducing costs.

Faced with greater logistical demands and increasing pressure to optimize resources, companies are demanding more and more tools that allow them to have a comprehensive view of their operations, said Pablo Chiappetta, general director of Mobility at  Edenred Mexico .

“Today, the real need of customers is to have all the information integrated in one place,” he stated.

The executive explained that fuel represents between 30% and 35% of the total cost of a fleet, but there are other factors that directly impact profitability, such as maintenance, tolls, or the time that the units remain out of operation.

For companies, one of the main challenges is to transform the data generated by different systems into useful information for decision-making.

The trend, Chiappetta noted, is to move from isolated platforms to ecosystems capable of combining fuel , telemetry, maintenance and vehicle performance information to generate predictive analysis and operational recommendations.

“Companies are looking to simplify and have a single view of the operation. It’s no longer just about knowing how much is spent on fuel, but about understanding the total cost of operation,” he said.

In this context, Edenred is working on a platform called One Mobility , which is scheduled to launch at the end of this year, with the intention of integrating information from different solutions and generating indicators for fleet managers.

The strategy is the result of an evolution that began three years ago with the launch of new solutions such as Ticket Car Plus, its fuel control platform; tools for self-consumption; maintenance management; toll solutions and emissions compensation programs.

Now, the challenge is to connect all that information through a data and analytics layer capable of generating recommendations and predictive models supported by artificial intelligence (AI).

Electrification is starting to gain ground

The transition to electric vehicles is also starting to gain relevance, particularly in last-mile operations .

According to Chiappetta, some large companies already operate partially electrified fleets and demand for this type of solution is growing at triple-digit rates, although the available infrastructure is still limited.

Currently there are around four thousand chargers in Mexico, a number still small for the size of the country, so many companies have started with loading schemes in their own yards.

“Electrification is an irreversible trend. The challenge now is to develop the necessary infrastructure to support that growth ,” he commented.

Digitization also opens up opportunities to reduce costs and improve operational control.

According to the executive, the use of technological tools allows for reducing leaks and detecting savings opportunities, as well as anticipating maintenance and optimizing the performance of the units.

“Companies that do not evolve and incorporate technology will be less efficient in an increasingly demanding market,” he warned.

Mexico will be the first country where Edenred will deploy One Mobility.

“We are very proud that Mexico is the first market where we will launch this product. We believe that what we are developing here will transcend the country’s borders,” he commented.

The Mexican operation is one of the most important for the company. Globally, mobility represents 30% of Edenred’s business, and Mexico is the second most important market in the world for this division, after Brazil.

Currently, Edenred Mobility Mexico serves more than 12,000 customers and manages over half a million fuel payment methods. The company has expanded its offerings to include maintenance, toll collection, self-consumption, and electromobility solutions , with a strategy focused on integrating information to provide a more comprehensive view of operations.

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El cargo Fleet management is evolving towards integrated models: Edenred apareció primero en T21.

AMOTAC will not block highways on June 24th, but there will be a demonstration. After a new strike was announced in 30 states across the country due to the high levels of insecurity on the highways, the Mexican Alliance of Transportation Organizations (AMOTAC) and the Ministry of the Interior (Segob) agreed that there will be no blockades.

“The working group meeting at the @SEGOB_mx with the leaders of the AMOTAC transport organization has concluded. They committed to ensuring there will be no road blockades on the country’s highways on the 24th,” reads a message on the Segob X account at 10:32 p.m. this Tuesday.

In this message, the official agency states that they have held more than 300 meetings during this administration , following up on agreements and making significant progress for the carriers.

In addition to the above, Segob asserts that they have given timely responses to their requests and that a work plan is in place.

Through a social media message, Rafael Pacheco, president of AMOTAC Nacional, sent a message calling on transporters to take to the highways to demonstrate starting at 8:00 a.m. on June 24 , “without blocking, until we receive a document that was promised by the Ministry of the Interior, we will not lift the presence of trucks.”

The leader also specified that the presence of Omar García Harfuch, head of the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection of Mexico, had been promised.

According to AMOTAC, its members will be present at the main highway access points to Mexico City, but also nationwide in 30 states , affecting the main national corridors.

The National Association of Private Transportation (ANTP) stated in a press release that in a democratic society, it is essential to recognize and respect the right of individuals and organizations to express their demands and concerns.

“However, it is also necessary to consider the impact that certain actions can have on millions of citizens who depend on mobility daily to work, study, access health services and sustain the well-being of their families,” the document reads.

One of the messages that ANTP is putting forward is that, within the framework of the FIFA World Cup 2026 celebration, efficient mobility and the continuous functioning of supply chains are essential elements to guarantee the supply of food, medicines, fuels and essential inputs for the population and economic activity.

*The main image does not represent an AMOTAC event; it was created using artificial intelligence.

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El cargo AMOTAC will not block highways this June 24th; there will be a strike. apareció primero en T21.

Following the announcement of the incorporation of  Transportes VIM ,  Grupo MexAmerik  is working on the integration of the company as part of a long-term strategy focused on specialization, diversification of services and strengthening of its corporate structure.

Beyond the growth in size and fleet, the operation responds to a strategic vision that seeks  to expand the group’s capabilities in segments where it has previously had a limited participation .

Pablo Ocampo, CEO of Grupo MexAmerik (number 32 in the Top 100 of Autotransport® ) , explained that the approach with VIM began at the end of 2024 and concluded in May 2026, after an analysis process that lasted for about a year and a half.

“What makes us a bit more attractive to the parties involved is the fact that VIM handles some issues that we don’t. Trying to complement our offerings with divisions that we don’t have and that we hadn’t planned to open organically in the short term created certain complications,” he noted.

With the integration of VIM, Grupo MexAmerik incorporates  four divisions  focused on specialized cargo, refrigerated transport, containers and construction, expanding its service offering and the industries it can serve.

For Ocampo, the value of these new lines of business goes beyond increasing revenue, as they allow for diversification of operations and reduce dependence on sectors with cyclical behaviors.

“Construction is very good, but it’s very cyclical. Having several divisions gives us the flexibility to serve different industries and break seasonal patterns,” he explained.

Maintaining VIM’s identity

Unlike other business consolidation processes, Grupo MexAmerik decided to retain the VIM brand name, adopting visual elements from the group and adding the MexAmerik legend to its corporate identity.

“We believe that VIM has intrinsic value in the market and in the divisions it serves. Changing the names or the operation is not advisable at this time,” he emphasized.

Ocampo also  ruled out any staff reductions as part of the integration . He explained that the goal is to leverage the strengths of both organizations and consolidate joint projects, while maintaining each company’s operations.

The strategy envisions that each company will maintain its operational, commercial and human capital teams, while some corporate functions will be managed centrally.

These include the  areas of strategy and development, information technology, administration and finance , as well as a new control and security structure that will serve Grupo MexAmerik, VIM and MexAmerik USA.

“We are trying to take the best of each scheme: to operate independently, but with all the advantages of being a group,” he said.

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El cargo MexAmerik–VIM, a combination of capabilities and specialization apareció primero en T21.

Cargo security has evolved beyond simply tracking vehicles. Today, companies are looking for tools that allow them to monitor fuel, temperature, cargo, and operational performance from a single platform.

This transformation responds to both operational needs and the security challenges facing the sector. Cargo theft remains one of the main risks to logistics in Mexico, and according to experts, a driver experiences an incident on the road every 30 minutes .

Given this scenario, technological solutions have ceased to be merely tracking tools and have become comprehensive systems for prevention, monitoring, and operational management.

Based on that premise, Total Protect has expanded its portfolio of solutions with new tools focused on the security of the units and also on fuel control, cold chain and the monitoring of goods during their transport .

The Total Protect ecosystem consists of six main solutions: Total Protect , which integrates the different layers of security; Protect Video , focused on video surveillance; Vault , for the protection of merchandise; Secure , oriented towards the security of the unit and the operator; Locate , focused on geolocation and tracking; and Addons , which incorporates complementary tools such as fuel monitoring, temperature and telemetry.

María de los Ángeles Useche, the company’s Commercial Director, explained to T21 that the development of these products arises from the needs that the customers themselves have expressed as their operations evolve.

“After we managed to reduce the incidence of security incidents, clients started requesting more things. They tell us what is happening in their operations, and from there we look for technologies that are adapted to the Mexican market,” he said.

One of the most recent developments is a monitoring system for refrigerated transport capable of performing up to three simultaneous temperature measurements within the same box.

This allows for the separate monitoring of frozen, chilled, and dry goods using a single device.

The information is recorded throughout the journey, facilitating cargo traceability and allowing the identification of possible temperature deviations or incidents during the trip.

From data to decision making

Another area where the company has detected a growing need is fuel control .

According to María de los Ángeles Useche, nearly half of a fleet’s operating costs correspond to diesel consumption , so losses resulting from illegal extractions or unauthorized unloading can represent significant impacts for carriers.

To address this problem, the company incorporated sensors that allow monitoring the behavior of the tanks in real time and generating geolocated alerts when atypical decreases are detected.

The platform offers information per unit or per fleet, including performance, kilometers traveled and possible fuel extractions.

Beyond generating alerts, the collected information allows carriers to identify consumption patterns , validate performance, detect operational deviations, and make decisions aimed at improving the efficiency of their fleets.

A similar approach is applied to temperature monitoring for sensitive goods. The records generated by these devices provide traceability of the cargo’s journey and facilitate the identification of incidents that could compromise its integrity during transport.

In addition to the economic benefit, the executive assured that visibility into these operations also contributes to changing behaviors within organizations .

“When people know they are being monitored, their habits improve. That’s one of the things we’ve observed in our clients,” he commented.

In this way, the information generated by the various systems ceases to be merely an operational record and becomes a management tool . Analyzing this data allows companies to make more informed decisions regarding safety, productivity, maintenance, and efficiency within their logistics operations.

Video, artificial intelligence, and evidence in the cloud

Technological evolution also reached video surveillance systems.

Currently, Total Protect has platforms that allow evidence to be stored in the cloud to prevent the loss of information in case of damage or tampering with the devices installed in the units.

The solution automatically generates clips associated with specific events, such as panic button activations, sudden braking, or sudden acceleration.

In this way, monitoring operators can review what happened before and after the incident, identify potential risks, and have evidence for investigations or determining liability.

In addition, there is a volumetric camera equipped with a battery and solar panel that allows monitoring of the cargo space inside trailers and boxes.

In addition to detecting unauthorized openings using light sensors, the tool helps verify the correct distribution of merchandise, a factor that can influence the stability and safety of the units during transit.

Centralized monitoring and recovery of up to 97% 

The foundation of all these solutions continues to be the security suite developed by the company.

The ecosystem integrates geolocation, anti-assault systems, engine stop, electronic locks for cargo compartments and video surveillance.

According to data shared by the company, the combination of these tools allows for recovery rates exceeding 95%, and reaching up to 97% when video and merchandise protection systems are incorporated.

Behind these tools operates a centralized monitoring model that allows real-time event monitoring, incident response coordination, and the transformation of operational information into actions to improve fleet safety and efficiency.

The company reported that it conducts approximately nine thousand weekly test runs to verify the proper functioning of GPS, panic buttons, engine stop systems, and other devices installed in the units before starting operations, which allows it to have reliable information to react to any eventuality.

In addition, it recently launched a second alternate monitoring center with backup capacity, with the aim of ensuring operational continuity, maintaining service levels and supporting the growth of its customer base.

A World Cup with more movement… and more risks

Regarding the increase in the movement of goods resulting from the economic activity associated with the 2026 FIFA World Cup , the company anticipates an increase in logistics activity similar to that observed during high-demand seasons such as Black Friday or Christmas.

The strategy includes continuous monitoring of incidents, analysis of road impacts, and constant communication with customers to recommend alternative routes, safe waiting areas, or adjustments to delivery windows.

Useche estimated that the volume of trips could increase between 15 and 20% during these periods of higher activity.

“When there are more vehicles on the road, the risks also increase. That’s why prevention and timely information are essential,” he said.

Constant evolution for transport and logistics

With eight years of experience in the market, Total Protect has developed an ecosystem of solutions focused on security, monitoring and operational management for transport and logistics companies.

During its early years, the firm concentrated its efforts on developing and perfecting technological tools geared towards security and operational management.

“Our DNA is to protect, care, and solve problems,” Useche explained.

Today, the company serves more than 140 organizations , mainly in the transportation and logistics sector, and continues to incorporate new technological capabilities into its security ecosystem.

Among the upcoming developments are applications based on artificial intelligence aimed at analyzing crime patterns, identifying risks, and continuous learning from the incidents that its monitoring center handles daily.

For Useche, the goal is not to add technology based on trends, but to respond to specific problems in Mexican logistics operations.

“Everything we develop has one objective: to solve real problems in the Mexican market. We don’t innovate for the sake of innovation, but to improve operations, save costs, and support our clients,” he stated.

And that’s precisely where the company seeks to differentiate itself. In a sector where risks are constantly evolving, the strategy is no longer limited to reacting to an incident, but to anticipating it.

The combination of monitoring , data analysis , artificial intelligence, and operational knowledge seeks to become a tool that allows companies to make better decisions before a loss, disruption, or security event occurs.

Because in an industry where every trip involves risks, protection has ceased to be merely a safety measure and has become a strategic factor in the operation, Useche emphasized.

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El cargo Total Protect takes logistics security to another level apareció primero en T21.

North American freight trucking will face an environment of greater regulatory oversight as the review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) progresses , specialists and representatives of the sector agreed during the webinar Inside the North American Trade Negotiations Status Report , organized by the International Road Transport Union (IRU) .

The region is going through a stage characterized by greater enforcement of existing trade rules, particularly on issues related to the origin of goods , cross-border operations and compliance with regulatory requirements, specialists explained during the meeting.

The United States is seeking to strengthen mechanisms to prevent products from third countries from entering the region by taking advantage of the trade benefits of the USMCA. Among the measures that could become more significant are greater coordination in the oversight of foreign investments and the use of technology to trace the origin of goods, explained Antonio Ortiz-Mena, president of AOM Advisors and a former member of the NAFTA negotiating team.

In this context, he considered that transportation and logistics companies will play an increasingly important role by providing information that allows for the certification of product origin and facilitates border crossings. The specialist pointed out that tools such as blockchain and other traceability systems could contribute to more efficient processes with fewer border inspections.

The industry is also observing a tightening of enforcement of existing regulations. Martín Rojas, Director of International Affairs for the American Trucking Associations (ATA) , stated that the sector is currently operating in a period where compliance and trade oversight take precedence over trade facilitation. This situation, he explained, is reflected in increased monitoring of operators , visas, and operational requirements for companies involved in cross-border transportation.

Jerry Schwebel, executive vice president of International Bank of Commerce (IBC) , agreed that the industry is willing to comply with the regulations, but noted that some practices that for years were accepted due to infrastructure or staffing limitations now face stricter enforcement of the legislation, leading to operational adjustments for carriers.

The executive added that regulatory uncertainty can cause disruptions in supply chains when new interpretations or information exchange mechanisms between government agencies lead to additional reviews of operators or companies involved in cross-border trade.

Despite this, participants agreed that the review of the USMCA does not necessarily imply a reduction in regional trade. On the contrary, they believe that greater production integration in North America could increase trade flows and reinforce the strategic importance of trucking in the region.

The governments of the United States, Canada, and Mexico will begin formal rounds of renegotiation of the USMCA next July, although in recent days President Donald Trump has cast doubt on its continuation based on his statements.

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El cargo Increased oversight and regulatory compliance will mark the review of the USMCA for trucking apareció primero en T21.

Based on figures from the  Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System (SESNSP) , between January and May 2026 , 2,255 cargo truck robberies were recorded, which represented a decrease of 17% compared to the 2,707 cases reported in the same period of 2025.

The tool emerged from situations that operators and companies report repeatedly , but which in many cases are not formally reported .

The director noted that authorities frequently request complaints in order to take action; however, many victims prefer not to file reports for fear of retaliation or due to distrust in the processes.

“If there are no complaints, I can’t offer you any kind of support because we don’t have that information,” Sánchez Porras commented, referring to one of the main challenges in assessing the scope of the problems facing the sector.

In response to this situation, Canacar Protege emerged, a tool available on its portal that allows complaints to be filed confidentially without requesting personal data from the complainant.

Augusto Ramos Melo, national president of Canacar, explained that the system is part of the organization’s strategy to strengthen the defense of the rights of carriers and generate information that allows the identification of risk patterns on the country’s highways .

“This mechanism was created to ensure that the operator, the carrier, or the company does not feel vulnerable to retaliation when filing a complaint,” Ramos explained.

Unlike a conventional complaint, the system was designed to protect the identity of the person reporting the incident. The platform only requests information related to the reported events, without requiring personal data.

According to Sánchez Porras, the cases will be referred to the appropriate authorities depending on their nature. In cases involving potential acts of corruption, the information may be sent to internal control bodies; while incidents with potential criminal implications may be referred to the competent prosecutorial authorities.

The platform is also part of the institutional modernization strategy promoted by the current administration of Canacar, which includes a greater generation of statistics and its own information systems to support the proposals and positions of the organization before federal authorities.

The tool is aimed at carriers affiliated with Canacar. Sánchez Porras indicated that the data generated through the platform will allow for a more precise understanding of the problems faced by its members on the road.

In his report on his first 100 days as head of Canacar, published on June 17, Augusto Ramos stated that the organization handled over a thousand calls through its support and assistance mechanisms, 45% of which were related to state, federal, or municipal traffic stops. An additional 342 incidents related to theft were also reported; of these, 59 resulted in the recovery of stolen vehicles.

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El cargo Canacar seeks to document abuses and extortion affecting the freight transport industry apareció primero en T21.

One hundred days after assuming the presidency of the National Chamber of Freight Transportation (Canacar) , Augusto Ramos Melo presented a work plan focused on four pillars: economic development, security, human capital, and institutional transformation , with the aim of strengthening the sector’s competitiveness and addressing the main challenges faced by carriers and operators in Mexico.

During his message, the leader stressed that freight transport moves more than 80% of the goods in the country and nearly 70% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) linked to products from sectors such as hydrocarbons, commerce, agriculture, agro-industry, mining and construction, making its operation strategic for the national economy.

“When the trucking industry advances, the national economy advances,” said Ramos Melo, who pointed out that these first 100 days are not enough to solve the challenges of the sector, but they are enough to define priorities and establish a work plan.

One of the main topics addressed was highway security . Based on figures from the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System (SESNSP) , between January and May 2016, 2,255 cargo truck robberies were recorded, a 17% decrease compared to the 2,707 cases reported during the same period in 2015. However, executives from Canacar (National Chamber of Freight Transportation) pointed out that there is a gap between official figures and the conditions reported by truckers on the highways, as many cases are not formally reported . In this context, Ramos warned that the statistical reduction is insufficient due to the persistent level of violence in these crimes.

Of the total robberies recorded in the first five months of the year, 1,289 involved violence and 966 did not. “We cannot normalize the loss of life on our roads. Every driver deserves to return home safely,” he stated.

The official explained that 93% of robberies are concentrated in 10 states : Mexico State, Puebla, San Luis Potosí, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Jalisco, Querétaro, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, and Hidalgo. Mexico State alone accounts for 30% of the incidents, followed by Puebla with 15%.

Regarding the type of merchandise , Canacar identified that 57% of the stolen products correspond to hydrocarbons, medicines, medical supplies, cleaning products, chemicals and footwear; while 32% correspond to food and groceries.

Given this situation, the agency reported that it has reinforced its 24-hour call center and launched an alert and assistance center for victims of crime on highways, with the purpose of providing support to affiliated companies and operators.

In its first 100 days, the agency handled over a thousand calls, 45% of which were related to state, federal, or municipal traffic stops. It also received 342 reports of theft, 59 of which resulted in the recovery of stolen goods.

Ramos Melo noted that Canacar participates in working groups with federal and state authorities , in addition to collaborating with the National Guard and prosecutors’ offices. However, he insisted on the need for more decisive action , a greater security presence in high-crime areas, and investigations to combat criminal groups.

“Security cannot be measured solely in numbers; it must be measured in lives protected,” he emphasized.

Another commitment of the administration is to promote safe, comprehensive rest stops . Ramos recalled that during his inauguration he set a goal of establishing 30 such rest stops in his first year in office. One hundred days into his term, he reported that 10 projects have been approved and have already received a favorable technical opinion from the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) , in addition to other applications currently being processed.

The leader explained that this infrastructure is necessary to reduce risks associated with fatigue, improve rest conditions for operators, and strengthen the security of supply chains.

In terms of human capital , the agency is also working on programs to incorporate women into the trucking industry. Ramos indicated that, according to SICT data, of the 711,000 federal licenses registered in the first half of 2026, only 1% belong to women.

The National Chamber of Freight Transportation (Canacar) is collaborating with the German agency GIZ and automotive manufacturers to promote scholarships and training for female truck drivers. Claudia Sánchez Porras, Canacar’s general director, explained that the program will begin with groups of 15 to 20 women, with company support to directly monitor their training and operations.

Canacar is also looking to recruit Spanish-speaking Latin American migrants in Mexico who are seeking employment. While Ramos clarified that they don’t yet have an official count of how many migrants have joined the driving force, he noted that they are already working on integrating them through training centers, including one recently opened in Puebla.

In terms of vehicle renewal , the agency supported the heavy vehicle replacement and modernization program promoted under the Mexico Plan , administered by the SICT and Nacional Financiera (Nafin) . The program includes 70% shared guarantees for new and used vehicles, aimed at micro and small transport operators with fleets of one to 30 units.

Ramos explained that the loans can be for up to 15 million pesos (MXN), with terms of up to 84 months for new vehicles and up to 60 months for used vehicles. The minimum down payment will be 10% for new vehicles and 15% for used vehicles.

The leader noted that the average age of the fleet in Mexico is 19 years , a figure he considered alarming compared to other markets. He indicated that, to approach international standards, approximately 50% of the fleet would need to be renewed.

In this context, Canacar is also working with federal authorities on a program to destroy scrap vehicles and on measures to curb the importation of used vehicles that, according to Ramos, do not have the proper configurations to operate in Mexico. He added that, together with the industry, they are seeking a minimum tariff of 50 percent for these imported vehicles .

Regarding operating costs, Ramos reported that the national freight transport sector incurred an additional expense of 22.015 billion pesos in 2025 due to the increase in fuel prices. He emphasized that diesel continues to be one of the main components of the sector’s cost structure.

Although he acknowledged that the impact in Mexico was less than that observed worldwide, where the increase reached up to 20%, he highlighted the importance of the incentives for the Special Tax on Production and Services (IEPS) and the efforts to keep the price of diesel below 27 pesos per liter.

Furthermore, he warned that the sector requires certainty in the supply of ultra-low sulfur diesel , essential for units with recent technologies and to contribute to the reduction of polluting emissions.

In terms of infrastructure , Canacar identified shortcomings in the conservation and maintenance of state, municipal, and toll-free federal highways. Ramos noted that the 2025-2030 National Development Plan and the sectoral plan acknowledge that only one-third of the toll-free federal highway network is in optimal condition, with a goal of raising this figure to 80% by 2030.

The president of Canacar pointed out that the physical condition of the roads directly impacts operating costs, road safety, and logistical efficiency . While in other countries logistics costs represent between 8% and 10% of the value of goods, in Mexico they can reach up to 20%.

Canacar is also working on mapping sections with the greatest infrastructure problems , supported by information from operators and carriers, with the aim of generating technical data that will allow prioritizing investments.

In ports and customs facilities , Ramos explained that an average of 15,000 operators face excessive waiting times daily at the country’s main logistics points, often under hot conditions, lack of rest areas and absence of basic services.

At the northern border, he asserted that around 19,000 crossings are registered daily, but the inspections and lines have generated delays that, at critical times, reach more than 20 kilometers.

Canacar is maintaining contact with Texas DOT to build a binational, data-driven scheme that will improve the flow of goods and protect the integrity of operators.

Regarding the Maya Train , Ramos reported that a first test run to transport cargo on the rail lines will take place in August, with the goal of beginning passenger and freight traffic simultaneously by the end of this year or the beginning of next year. He explained that the trucking industry sees an opportunity to participate in last-mile delivery , primarily in the transport of hydrocarbons, food, and supplies to areas such as Cancún and the Port of Progreso.

Regarding the 40-hour workweek , Canacar (the National Chamber of Freight Transportation) believes that the trucking industry requires special consideration due to the nature of its operations. Ramos indicated that, although NOM -087 ( the Mexican Official Standard for Driving and Rest Times) exists, the sector needs safe infrastructure where drivers can take breaks.

“Fifty percent of robberies occur when we stop to eat, use the restroom, or sleep,” he warned. He insisted that safe rest stops are impossible without adequate rest areas.

Regulation, data and institutional strengthening

Regarding regulations, Canacar expressed its concern about the new traffic regulations that expand the National Guard’s supervisory and enforcement powers. It noted that the sector was not consulted during their drafting. Ramos said the chamber is working on a technical report to assess the impact of these provisions and to establish working groups with federal authorities.

The agency is also collaborating with the SICT on the new towing regulations, with the goal of improving service quality, establishing clear rules, and combating excessive charges. It also announced the availability of a hotline for reporting abuses.

In its institutional transformation , Canacar launched tools such as Canacar 360, Canacar Integra and Canacar Data, aimed at improving internal management, tracking requests, managing member information and building its own statistics for decision-making.

During its first 100 days, Canacar reported 104 institutional meetings and working sessions with authorities, legislators, trade organizations, and agencies such as the SICT, the Ministry of Economy , the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) , the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), and the National Customs Agency of Mexico (ANAM) . It also held 29 meetings of specialized commissions and committees, signed new collaboration agreements, offered 12 training courses, and provided instruction to 1,626 people.

Among the recent agreements, he mentioned collaborations with Cummins , Samsara , Daimler , PASE , Solvento and the National Association of Vehicle Tracking and Protection Companies (ANERPV) , in addition to alliances such as with the Mexican Transportation Institute (IMT) , the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) to strengthen the generation of data, technical diagnoses and sectoral information.

“What is not measured cannot be improved,” he argued.

At the close, the president of Canacar assured that these first 100 days represent only the first step of a work path that demands unity and results for the sector.

“Because when trucking advances, the national economy advances,” he stated.

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El cargo Augusto Ramos prioritizes safety and professionalization 100 days into his tenure at the head of Canacar apareció primero en T21.

At least 20,000 Mexican truck drivers lost their work visas in the United States between April 2025 and April 2026 for failing to meet English language requirements, reported Augusto Ramos Melo, president of the National Chamber of Freight Transportation (Canacar) .

During the presentation of the results of his first 100 days in office, he explained that the figure was shared by the American Trucking Associations (ATA) and is part of the actions derived from an executive order issued by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, in April 2025.

“They were from April 2025 to April 2026. These operators returned to Mexico after their work visas were revoked,” he said.

Ramos clarified that the impact is not limited to Mexican operators . According to information shared by the ATA, the president of Canacar commented that approximately 30,000 foreign operators have been removed from operations in the United States, of which 20,000 are Mexican.

Although the leader acknowledged that there is still no precise assessment of the economic impact of this measure , he explained that the reduction in the availability of operators is already beginning to generate pressures in the US market.

“The only thing that happened here was the supply-demand effect, where obviously the cost of freight in the United States has been starting to have an upward effect,” he said.

However, he emphasized that North America’s economic performance has so far prevented a greater impact. Nevertheless, he warned that if economic activity picks up, the shortage of operators could be more clearly reflected in logistics costs.

“It is very likely that this impact will be seen gradually,” he stated.

The measure comes in a context where the trucking industry is facing a growing shortage of drivers both in Mexico and in other regions of the world.

Canacar estimates that there is currently a shortage of approximately 96,000 truck drivers in Mexico , a figure that could increase in the coming years due to the aging workforce. According to Ramos, around 30% of active truck drivers are over 55 years old, while only 13% are under 25.

Globally, the problem has also become a concern for the logistics industry . During Canacar’s participation in the International Road Transport Union (IRU) , the organization predicted a global shortage of more than 2.8 million operators by 2030.

Given this scenario, Canacar launched an English language training program aimed at operators, transporters and their families.

The tool is available online and can be used on mobile devices. According to Ramos, the goal is to strengthen the language skills of operators involved in cross-border operations and reduce the risk of further disruptions stemming from regulatory requirements in the United States.

The agency also reported that it maintains a close relationship with the ATA to monitor the evolution of this issue and obtain more accurate information on the impact that the departure of operators has had on the US market.

For now, Canacar acknowledged that one of the main challenges will be identifying how many of the operators who returned to the country have rejoined Mexican companies and how many remain outside the transport industry .

“It has been difficult to track them all down to find out if they are already working in Mexico or in some other profession,” Ramos emphasized.

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In a session of the Laredo , Texas City Council, the decision was made to increase the fees for using the border bridges that connect with Mexico, which will be applied starting January 1, 2027 .

According to various news reports, Laredo Mayor Victor Treviño, who voted against the measure, noted that tolls had not been adjusted for 10 years, and the funds raised would allow for expansions at both the World Trade Bridge III and the Colombia Bridge .

The rate increase, where commercial vehicles currently pay $4.75, will increase by $0.50 starting January 1, 2027, with the same level of increase for 2028 and 2029, meaning that in 2029 the payment will reach $6.25.

Meanwhile, commercial vehicles that pay $1.75 will face an increase of $0.50 in 2027, while in 2028 and 2029 it will increase by $0.25 in each period .

In turn, pedestrians who currently pay one dollar will also experience an increase of 0.25 dollars in 2027, an increase that will be maintained in 2028 and 2029, to end at 1.75 dollars.

ATC: It’s not the time

Through its social media, the Nuevo Laredo Freight Carriers Association (ATC) expressed its disagreement with the Laredo City Council’s decision to approve the increase in international bridge tolls, and even argued that the measure contradicts the recommendation of the Port of Entry Advisory Committee itself.

The organization, headed by Pedro Lozano, emphasized that throughout the process, the various stakeholder groups—carriers, customs agents, logistics operators, and business owners on both sides of the border—presented arguments against increasing tolls, “especially given the uncertainty still generated by the review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA),” the ATC publication stated.

“ The Nuevo Laredo–Laredo corridor has become the leading land port for international trade in North America thanks to the joint efforts of the private sector on both sides of the border. Decisions that affect its competitiveness must be made with strategic vision and responsibility, not against the recommendations of those who best understand its daily operations,” he stated.

ATC warned that it will continue to raise its voice, convinced that the growth of the border port is achieved through facilitation, “not by making it more expensive . “

According to available figures, in the accumulated January-April 2026, trade through the Port of Laredo totaled 34.16 billion dollars (USD), representing an increase of 20.5% over the 28.34 billion USD of the same period in 2025.

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In Mexico, the trucking industry often points to the excessive paperwork, verifications, and regulatory requirements it faces in order to operate; however, in terms of vehicle safety, an apparent contradiction is observed: while there are numerous provisions for the circulation and operation of the units, Mexico still lacks a specific standard that establishes the safety standards that new heavy vehicles entering the market must meet.

This was stated by Salvador Saavedra, president of the Automotive Industry Sector of the National Chamber of the Transformation Industry (Canacintra) , during the AMDA Commercial Vehicles Forum 2026, where he warned that the absence of a specific regulatory framework is allowing the incorporation of units with different technological standards, which generates incompatibilities that could impact road safety.

“It is allowed because there is no rule,” he stated, emphasizing that currently, tractor-trailer trucks developed under regulations different from those prevailing in North America can enter the Mexican market.

According to the specialist, while Europe has regulations that incorporate dozens of safety standards and the United States has maintained a scheme administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for decades, Mexico still lacks a standard for heavy vehicles over 3,857 kilograms, even though its development began several years ago .

Saavedra explained that the project was worked on between 2021 and 2023; however, it did not progress towards publication.

“We worked on that 2021-2022 standard, first quarter of 2023, and just as I remained silent, so did the Ministry of Economy, they put it in a drawer and there it is,” he commented.

One of the identified risks is related to ABS braking systems . The specialist explained that most semi-trailers operating in Mexico use technology based on U.S. regulations, while in recent years tractor-trailers developed under other standards have been incorporated.

This situation can cause warning signals for a brake system failure to not be properly communicated between the tractor and the semi-trailer, limiting the operator’s ability to react in a timely manner.

“If the ABS of the semi-trailer fails and the operator has to perform emergency braking, the possibility of the semi-trailer squaring up increases and therefore would cause a road accident,” he warned.

According to data presented by Saavedra, between 95% and 98% of tractor-trailer trucks currently operating with ABS systems use North American technology . However, each year between 10% and 12% of units with different configurations are added to the vehicle fleet, increasing the need to establish standardized criteria to ensure the compatibility of safety systems.

The expert argued that the debate should not focus solely on generating more regulation, but on building a coherent regulatory framework that allows identifying which vehicles can be incorporated into the Mexican market and under what safety standards they must operate.

Among his proposals, he highlighted the need to clearly define which federal agency will be responsible for issuing and overseeing vehicle safety regulations, establishing standards for all types of new and existing vehicles, and verifying compliance with these requirements from the time of importation.

“The regulated industry must actively participate in issues concerning vehicle regulations. Otherwise, nothing happens, or we are left out,” he concluded.

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