Lawmakers, representatives of the federal government , transporters, business chambers and associations entered the ring at the Chamber of Deputies during the forum ” Insecurity on Mexico’s Highways ,” organized by the Communications and Transportation Commission , and launched direct attacks against the lack of security on the national road network.
Rafael Ortiz Pacheco, president of the Mexican Alliance of Transportation Organizations (AMOTAC) , launched his first “defensive blow,” harshly criticizing the authorities for their lack of concrete action. He noted that, although various problems in the sector have been discussed, the “truly urgent” issues have not been addressed with real solutions.
“Everyone comes to light their own fires. But what about the National Guard? Until when will they enforce the regulations, Rule 012, which address overloading and speeding of vehicles?” Ortiz Pacheco questioned.
The transportation leader reported that cargo theft continues to occur brazenly in areas such as La Esperanza, Puebla, and that in some cases members of the National Guard have even participated.
“The Northern Arch is large, but there are critical areas, such as La Esperanza in Puebla, where trucks are being blatantly stolen. This is even with the support of some members of the National Guard. They’ve been identified, videos have been sent, and there have been no results,” Ortiz Pacheco stated.
In a calmer tone, Representative Víctor Manuel Pérez Díaz (PAN), chairman of the Communications and Transportation Committee, emphasized that this is a problem that has been addressed without political overtones , but rather with a focus on ensuring the peace of mind of citizens and the stability of commerce.
He stated that for several years, initiatives have been promoted , including amendments to Article 19 of the Constitution regarding freight transportation, and tougher measures have been taken regarding highway toll booths, which are masked by freedom of expression, as well as the blocking of railways, among others.
Round 2, Data Insecurity!
Among the main challenges discussed at the forum, cargo theft and corruption at security checkpoints were the most highlighted points.
According to data presented by Luis Villatoro Martínez , president of the National Association of Vehicle Tracking and Protection Companies (ANERPV) , 68% of cargo thefts occur in 12 regions , with Puebla and the State of Mexico as the most affected states.
Furthermore, 76% of these crimes target heavy vehicles , which seriously affects logistics and trade in the country.
For his part, General Cruz Isaac Muñoz Navarro , Director of Highway and Facility Security of the National Guard (GN) , reported that, although robberies have decreased from 13,068 in 2018 to 7,968 in 2024 , there is still much work to be done. He invited citizens to report acts of corruption within the security force, assuring that the GN seeks to eradicate impunity among its members .
In this regard, Carlos García Álvarez, vice president of AMOTAC, mentioned that one of the most serious problems they face is that state and municipal police detain transporters and plant drugs on them.
“On highways or federal highways, state or municipal police come and arrest us, planting the famous cocaine, crystal meth, and all those drugs on us, and then they plant it, and it’s cost us money. So, I think there are many issues regarding security, and our operators also need a guarantee to make their work easier,” García explained.
Furthermore, Representative Emilio Manzanilla Téllez (PT) pointed out that corruption is the central problem of road safety . He proposed strengthening police oversight mechanisms at the municipal, state, and federal levels to prevent abuses against transporters.
More people are coming into the ring!
The transportation and business sectors agreed on the need to establish clear legal reforms and public policies to guarantee the safety and competitiveness of transportation in Mexico.
Elim Luviano Heredia , president of the Transportation Commission of the Confederation of Industrial Chambers (Concamin) , stressed the urgent need to provide certainty to investment in the sector , promote the right to mobility , and facilitate the renewal of the vehicle fleet .
He emphasized that property and legal insecurity not only affects transporters but also impacts the cost of products, increasing the cost of the national economy.
In the same corner of the ring, Leonardo Gómez Vargas , executive president of the National Association of Private Transportation (ANTP) , emphasized that road insecurity increases logistics costs , affecting investment and consumer well-being. He proposed strengthening strategies for crime prevention and rebuilding the social fabric .
For his part, Marco Antonio Frías Galván , director of the Mexican Association of Road Infrastructure Concessionaires , proposed that the private sector should assume greater responsibility for road safety , collaborating with the three levels of government to improve coordination and the use of technology.
From the perspective of vehicle manufacturers, Miguel Ogazón del Abrego, of the National Association of Bus, Truck and Tractor-Trailer Manufacturers (ANPACT) , pointed out the need to implement a vehicle renewal program to improve road safety and facilitate the tracking of vehicles in case of theft.
Knockout! Request for concrete actions
The forum made it clear that road safety is a complex problem that requires structural solutions. It was agreed that the event’s conclusions will be compiled in a document that the Communications and Transportation Commission will send to the relevant authorities, so that concrete measures can be taken.
Key points to be discussed for future reforms include:
- Strengthen coordination between authorities and carriers to improve crime prevention.
- Promote the use of technology such as satellite tracking and alert systems to reduce theft.
- Review the Mobility Law and other regulations that affect transportation operations.
- Supervise security forces to prevent abuse and extortion at roadblocks.
- Facilitate vehicle fleet renewal to improve the safety and performance of freight transport.
Representative Francisco Javier Borrego Adame (Morena) emphasized the need for the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) to intervene in roadblocks where allegations of corruption and extortion of transporters have been reported.
Those present at the forum commented that this is only the first step toward defining a comprehensive strategy to improve road safety. They emphasized that a document containing the conclusions and proposals presented will be developed, which will be sent to the authorities who were not present so that the necessary measures can be taken.
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