The insecurity faced by the freight transport sector requires constant monitoring, action protocols, and daily coordination between companies, operators, and authorities, according to Julio César Sánchez Amaya, head of Permits for the Export Control System and responsible for the Transportation Security Sector of the Ministry of Economy ; the challenge cannot be addressed solely with meetings or isolated measures.

“It has to be monitored every day,” he noted. He considered that the responsibility lies with both the carrier and the operator, as well as with the authorities at all three levels of government, including the National Guard , state and municipal police, and prosecutors’ offices.

Having systematic operating programs would allow for defining which protocol to activate, who should respond to an emergency, and how to guarantee the safety of people and their property. According to Sánchez Amaya, coordination should also involve the areas of law enforcement, administration, and administration of justice in the states where incidents against transportation occur .

Addressing insecurity also involves improving the working conditions of drivers . The official stated that drivers should have social security, a pension system, access to healthcare and medical assistance, as well as ongoing training to perform their job effectively.

He also considered it necessary for the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) to contribute to ensuring that the units circulate in optimal conditions and that the operators comply with the corresponding courses and requirements.

For the sector, the safety of road transport not only involves reinforcing surveillance on the road, but also organizing operations and strengthening the capacity to respond to emergencies in order to protect both the operators and the goods they transport.

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El cargo Road safety requires daily coordination between carriers and authorities. apareció primero en T21.

Driver training has become one of the most important areas of focus for the trucking industry , in an environment where labor shortages are already limiting operations nationwide. In Mexico, the deficit is around 99,000 drivers , which directly impacts the sector’s operational capacity.

More than 90,000 trucks remain idle due to a lack of drivers, according to the International Road Transport Union (IRU) and the National Chamber of Freight Transportation (Canacar) . In this context, training has ceased to be a supplement and has become an operational strategy: it not only attracts and retains talent, but also improves truck performance and reduces costs associated with breakdowns and corrective maintenance.

From Tamaulipas , the Nuevo Laredo Freight Carriers Association (ATC) has focused part of its efforts on addressing this need through training programs, while, in parallel, the foundation linked to the organization promotes training programs for operators and young people interested in joining the sector, according to Pedro Lozano, president of the ATC, and with initiatives led by Yvette Bazán at the head of the foundation .

One of the main challenges identified is the preparation of operators in key skills for international operations , particularly in the use of the English language, necessary for their interaction at crossings into the United States .

To address this need, the association is working on developing technological tools that facilitate the continuous learning of operators, including solutions based on applications with artificial intelligence geared towards practicing the language in real-world contexts, Lozano explained.

At the same time, the foundation linked to the ATC has consolidated a support model focused on training new generations. Through resources obtained at industry events, scholarships are channeled to operators and young people interested in joining the industry, with the aim of strengthening the trucking workforce .

In addition to training, the association also promotes exchange spaces between companies to share best practices in operational and management issues, with the intention of raising the professional level of the sector as a whole.

This approach seeks to address one of the structural challenges of the trucking industry: the availability of trained operators in an increasingly demanding environment in terms of operation, safety and compliance.

In this context, the commitment to training not only responds to an immediate need, but also to building more sustainable conditions for the long-term development of the sector.

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El cargo ATC promotes operator training from Mexico’s northern border apareció primero en T21.

The representation of the trucking industry in the State of Mexico is being renewed at a time when operating on highways involves increasing pressure. Insecurity , overregulation, and rising costs are the main challenges that the new Board of Directors of the National Chamber of Freight Transportation (Canacar)  in the state will have to address.

In that context, Paulina Montserrat Muñoz Mortara took over as state delegate with a marked stance: the chamber must cease to be just a representative body and become an entity that listens and resolves.

“Today we make a commitment: to be a delegation that is approachable, a delegation that listens and a delegation that acts, that not only represents, but also solves problems,” he said during his swearing-in ceremony.

From her first address, the new delegate placed the transportation sector at the center of the agenda, particularly micro and small business owners , acknowledging that they face the greatest difficulties in their daily operations. She stated that her goal is to strengthen ties with the sector and build a more proactive representation to address its challenges.

The challenge is significant. Trucking handles over 80% of the country’s goods and more than 548 million tons annually , making it a pillar of the national economy, Muñoz noted.

At the state level, the relevance is even greater. The State of Mexico is consolidating its position as one of the country’s main logistics hubs, with a high concentration of goods flows and constant transit of cargo units.

In that sense, more than 1.2 million cargo vehicles travel along the Mexico-Queretaro highway each month, reflecting the operational intensity of the region, commented Augusto Ramos, national president of Canacar.

Furthermore, around 85,000 cargo units operate in the state , which illustrates the magnitude of the activity and the need to improve its conditions, he said.

Given this scenario, security remains the sector’s main enemy, along with the shortage of operators and the need to strengthen competitiveness, according to Ramos, who warned that the challenges lie outside the industry and require coordinated work.

“The enemy is not here, the enemy is out there, it’s called insecurity… it’s called a shortage of operators… it’s called conditions for the trucking industry to be more competitive,” he said.

In that regard, he stressed the importance of maintaining permanent working groups between authorities and the private sector , especially on issues of security, infrastructure and rest conditions for operators, such as comprehensive rest stops.

The approach also aims at professionalizing the sector , both in training current operators and in attracting new profiles to an activity that he described as “dignified and well-paid”.

The event was sponsored by Samsara , a technology company focused on operational and safety solutions for the trucking industry, which supported this day of the sector in the state.

For the new state leadership, the immediate challenge will be to translate these proposals into concrete actions. Their mandate involves not only representing the industry, but also influencing the public agenda in a state that, due to its location and volume of operations, is key to the movement of goods in Mexico.

In Muñoz’s words, the goal is to put the partner at the center, dignify the carrier and demonstrate that, with joint work, the sector can move towards better operating conditions.

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El cargo State of Mexico: Canacar is seeking security and real representation apareció primero en T21.

NUEVO LAREDO, TAMPS. – In trucking , the difference isn’t in speed, but in the ability to execute each maneuver with control and adherence to protocols. Following this logic, the fourth edition of the Truck Challenge 2026 brought together drivers to test their maneuvering skills in an environment where mistakes result in disqualification.

The competition format focused on technical tests that replicated real-world operating scenarios , with circuits that demanded mastery of reversing, gear shifting, and pinpoint accuracy. Each run, lasting between five and seven minutes, penalized any error, from touching obstacles to breaking basic rules.

During the day, at least 12 operators were disqualified, mainly for not using the seatbelt, a fault that shows that the focus of the event is not competitive in speed, but in operational discipline .

In the Sleeper Cab category , the results were as follows:

• First place: Erik Uriel Sánchez Silva — Land Border Liaison .
• Second place: Adolfo Perea Rosas — TransMex .
• Third place: Tomás Guerrero Rodríguez — Xpress Internacional.

In the Day Cab category , the best performing operators were:

• First place: Arturo Chaires Atilano — YBM Logistics.
• Second place: Javier Jiménez Vázquez — TransMex.
• Third place: Jesús Alfonso Aguilera — FEMA Transport .

The top three places in both categories advance to the MT Tampico final , where the best profiles in the country will gather.

The meeting also reflects one of the sector’s priorities: recognizing the role of the operator within the value chain .

“The engine of international trade is transportation, and without operators there is no transportation,” said Carlos Fernández, general vice president of the National Chamber of Freight Transportation (Canacar) .

Along the same lines, he stressed that these spaces contribute to dignifying the profession and attracting new generations.

“It sparks interest in many young people to join this wonderful profession… with pride in being an operator and learning the trade in a technical way,” he added.

From the organization’s perspective, the focus is also on training and the social impact of the event.

“Transforming lives through education… each comprehensive scholarship we award is a story of overcoming adversity that begins in Nuevo Laredo,” said Yvette Bazán, president of the ATC Foundation .

The initiative is based on a cause-related model, where the resources generated are used to train new operators.

“It’s a fundraising event… the money left over is used to provide scholarships for new operators,” explained Pedro Lozano, president of the Nuevo Laredo Freight Carriers Association (ATC) .

In addition to the technical component, the event incorporated a community focus that was reflected in the interaction between families , companies, and operators . Throughout the day, the space transformed into a lively festival where attendees shared food, music, and recreational activities, while closely following each of the track events.

The atmosphere wasn’t limited to the competition. There were areas designated for children , family activities, and spaces designed to introduce new generations to the trucking industry from a different perspective. Through games, exhibits, and activities, the event also aimed to spark interest in the profession from a young age, in line with the goal of training future drivers and strengthening generational succession within the sector.

“We want to foster a lot of interaction with our families… and encourage new operators, which is what we are most focused on,” Lozano added.

With four editions, the Truck Challenge is consolidating itself as an exercise that transcends competition: it puts at the center the safety, training and recognition of those who sustain the daily operation of freight transport.

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El cargo Truck Challenge 2026: Precision behind the wheel defines the best operators apareció primero en T21.

The narrative surrounding transportation and its connection to productive activities is once again taking center stage, this time with the conclusion of an audiovisual project driven by the industry. Isuzu Motors de México announced the premiere of the fourth and final season of “Los Imparables” (The Unstoppables) , a documentary series focused on the stories of customers and their operations in different regions of the country.

The launch is scheduled for April 18th through the brand’s official channels , where five case studies will be presented, reflecting diverse business sectors, from food to construction materials. In this final installment, the series revisits experiences related to the continuity of family businesses, growth from small operations, and the consolidation of companies in their respective markets.

Among the episodes are stories like that of Pastes Kiko’s in Pachuca, Hidalgo, linked to the permanence of a family business ; Administradora de Aceros y Materiales, in the State of Mexico, which arose from a personal need; and Botanas Fryen, in Michoacán, which evolved from home production to a more structured operation.

Also included is the story of Distribuidora de Pollo Roca , in Jalisco, focused on family work, and Pasteurizadora Jersey, in Tijuana, Baja California, with a long-term history in the food sector.

According to Isuzu, the series aimed to showcase the role of these operations in the everyday economy , emphasizing the human element behind transportation and distribution. With this final season, the project concludes after four installments.

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El cargo Isuzu’s “Unstoppables” reach the final route with their fourth season apareció primero en T21.

JIUTEPEC, MOR.- In the transition towards sustainable mobility , road transport faces a challenge less visible than the technology itself: making decisions in an environment where the rules, incentives and infrastructure are constantly changing.

Within the framework of the 4th Meeting on Technology and Sustainable Mobility, held by the National Association of Private Transport (ANTP) , Miguel Elizalde, CEO of Mobility Sustainable Consulting , stated that the sector does not advance under a linear model, but in a dynamic scenario where each factor can alter the course.

“It’s a very complex environment… you have aspects of technology, you have aspects of regulation, infrastructure, and costs,” he explained.

Unlike other industrial transitions, there isn’t a single technology leading the way in sustainable mobility . The expert explained that multiple options coexist today—electric, natural gas, hybrid, or even hydrogen—without any one establishing itself as dominant.

This means that decisions must be based not only on trends, but on specific operating conditions.

“There isn’t one right answer… they are all related in some way,” Elizalde said, referring to factors such as total cost, business strategy, and operations.

One of the main risks, he warned, is that companies prioritize acquiring technology without having its implementation sorted out.

“Sometimes we focus on acquiring the technology and neglect operational decisions,” he noted.

This imbalance can lead to operational failures, especially when infrastructure doesn’t keep pace with investment . He even highlighted cases where companies acquire electric units without having sufficient energy capacity to operate them.

In Mexico, infrastructure development remains a major obstacle, especially for emerging technologies, he asserted. While the charging network for light vehicles has begun to expand, availability for heavy transport is practically nonexistent, forcing companies to develop their own systems.

Added to this is the lack of consistent incentives and regulation that sets a clear course, which keeps decision-making on uncertain ground.

Operators: the forgotten angle

Beyond technology, Elizalde also focused on human capital , particularly on the training of operators.

“The issue is not a lack of operators, the issue is a lack of vision,” he stated.

From their experience, one of the main obstacles is not the cost of training, but the time that applicants must stop working to train, which directly impacts their income.

Given the high infrastructure costs, the executive raised the need to explore collaborative schemes between companies.

“I’m a fan of synergies… 1+1 equals 3,” he commented. He explained that competitors can collaborate to develop infrastructure, as already happens in other markets.

These alliances would allow for shared investment and accelerated technological adoption without relying exclusively on public funding. Elizalde emphasized that the debate should not focus solely on which technology to adopt, but rather on how to integrate it into the business. In this context, the sector is forced to make decisions based on partial, comparable conditions, he said, choosing a path without certainty of the destination.

“The future doesn’t depend on just one technology… it depends on the quality of the decisions,” he concluded.

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El cargo Sustainable mobility on uncertain routes: operational decisions, one of the challenges of road transport apareció primero en T21.

The shortage of operational personnel in the trucking industry is a multifaceted challenge that demands coordinated solutions among the various stakeholders . Based on this premise, the Daimler Commercial Vehicles Mexico Distributors Association (ADAVEC) , the Comprehensive Management Center (CEDEMI), Daimler Truck Mexico , and Tecnomotum , in conjunction with the Association of Women Operators (AMO) , joined forces to develop an initiative focused on the inclusion and professionalization of women operators.

As a result of this strategic alliance, a comprehensive training program for female operators, unique in its kind, was designed to strengthen women’s participation in a sector that is key to the national economy. “For us, the future of transportation in Mexico is in the hands of women,” stated Fernando Lascurain, director of ADAVEC and CEDEMI .

The program comprises 180 hours of intensive training spread over five weeks, combining specialized theoretical instruction with hands-on practice in simulators and real-world vehicles. The training is delivered according to international quality standards, aligned with ISO 9001:2015 , and is the first course of its kind implemented in Mexico City.

“For CEDEMI, this day represents much more than the start of a training program. It reflects our commitment to developing talent through a professional, structured approach aligned with the real needs of the trucking industry,” Lascurain stated.

From a technological perspective, Pedro Rivera, CEO of Tecnomotum, highlighted that the security systems developed by the company play a key role in increasing the confidence of operators, by reducing the risk of theft by up to 10 times and contributing significantly to the prevention of road accidents.

“The operators have told us that technology supports them, protects them, and allows them to perform their work better. In many cases, they even show a greater openness to technological adoption than traditional operators, which reinforces our interest in participating in these types of initiatives,” Rivera stated.

For her part, Marcela Barreiro, president and CEO of Daimler Truck Mexico, emphasized that the incorporation of women into the operation of road transport generates impacts that go beyond the business sphere , translating into social and personal benefits.

“The participation of women operators has significant social implications. It not only responds to our clients’ need for more qualified personnel, but also opens up opportunities in a sector where women are demonstrating that they can thrive and build solid professional careers,” Barreiro emphasized.

Paola Moncada, president and co-founder of AMO, highlighted that one of the program’s strengths lies in the support network that assists the initial eight participants, who have decided to join this training primarily motivated by the well-being of their families .

“During the interview process, they all agreed that their main motivation is their children and their families, who are waiting for them at home and represent the driving force behind this important decision,” Moncada mentioned.

The president of the Association of Women Operators also acknowledged the challenges aspiring women face, including the cost of training, obtaining licenses, lack of experience, and the prejudices that still persist in some companies. However, she emphasized that projects like this not only facilitate access to initial financing but also raise awareness within the industry and create real opportunities for women’s employment.

Finally, Alexia González, general treasurer of the National Chamber of Freight Transportation (Canacar) , reaffirmed that the sector has a supportive base of women that promotes inclusion and provides a supportive and safe environment.

“Today there are women within the industry who are willing to accompany and support them. Together we can build a more inclusive industry and, in the long term, make this profession one of the most attractive so that more women decide to join as operators,” she concluded.

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El cargo ADAVEC – CEDEMI, Daimler Truck and Tecnomotum promote the inclusion of women operators in the trucking industry apareció primero en T21.

The shortage of drivers remains one of the main structural challenges for the trucking industry in Mexico , a problem that is not new, but continues to condition the operation and growth of the sector.

This deficit is not only a reflection of an industry perception, but also a documented problem at a global level.

According to the International Road Transport Union (IRU) and the National Chamber of Freight Transport (Canacar) , in Mexico the deficit is around 99,000 operators , a figure that already directly impacts the operational capacity of road transport.

In fact, Canacar has pointed out that this lack of personnel has left more than 90,000 vehicles idle due to a lack of operators , while internationally the situation is replicated on a larger scale, demonstrating that it is a structural challenge and not isolated to the Mexican market.

In this context, companies have had to focus part of their strategies not only on attracting talent, but also on retaining it and making it more efficient. Training has become a key element in reducing turnover, optimizing unit performance, and avoiding corrective maintenance that impacts operating costs.

At the same time, the proper use of vehicles and the technical training of operators are positioned as factors that directly affect the useful life of the units, in an environment where efficiency is increasingly crucial for profitability.

Under this scenario, Isuzu Motors de México is focusing its strategy on supporting its customers—both fleet operators and retailers—in developing operational capabilities. The company has committed to strengthening operator training as a way to address this structural challenge in the sector.

“For several years we have been focused on assisting our clients to provide their operators with the necessary training so that they can maintain and operate the units according to the needs of each vehicle,” José Manuel García Soria, the company’s Fleet Development Manager, explained to T21.

The automaker also highlighted reliability as one of its main differentiators, particularly in its diesel engines, where, according to García, fuel efficiency and durability continue to be key attributes for its customers.

In that context, the firm maintains in its portfolio the range of Euro 6 vehicles , corresponding to the 2026 model year, while advancing in the incorporation of new products, such as its D-Max pickup, which is expected to arrive soon in the Mexican market.

In an environment where operational challenges persist , the combination of technology, efficiency, and human capital is emerging as one of the main routes to sustain the operation of road transport.

In 2025, the Japanese automaker sold 5,910 units at retail, which represented a 10% increase compared to 2024.

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El cargo Isuzu Motors de México focuses on operators in the face of the sector’s structural challenge apareció primero en T21.

HG Transportaciones (number 9 in the Top 100 Trucking Companies® ) and Autotransportes El Charqueño have incorporated two APEX heavy transport simulators as part of their training strategy. This initiative is being developed under the HG Transportaciones University concept , with the goal of integrating simulation into operator training.

“At Universidad HG Transportaciones, we understand that training cannot remain limited to traditional methods. The incorporation of trucking simulators allows us to train operators in a much more comprehensive environment, where they can face real-life situations without jeopardizing their safety or the operation. For us, it’s not just about teaching driving skills, but about developing judgment, responsibility, and decision-making abilities. This technology gives us the opportunity to prepare better-trained operators from the start, raising the standard of our entire operation,” stated Eric Mijares, manager of Universidad HG Transportaciones.

The model aims to replace traditional methods with simulation-based processes. Operators can face scenarios such as emergency braking, loss of control, or adverse weather conditions without real risk. Each practice session becomes a measurable exercise that provides information about the operator’s performance .

The training is supported by data generated from each session. Operators’ decisions are recorded and analyzed, allowing for the identification of patterns and the correction of habits . The approach focuses on building evidence-based learning processes.

Both companies share infrastructure and methodology within this scheme, which generates consistency in the way of training and evaluating , and strengthens operations to establish a common standard in operator training.

The initiative addresses the need for qualified personnel in the sector. The simulators allow for the training of operators prepared for complex scenarios and adaptable to different conditions. The project aims to develop critical thinking and responsibility from the outset of training .

“Today, companies that are truly looking to reduce risks and improve their operational performance are understanding that training cannot rely solely on field experience. Simulation allows them to anticipate errors, make better decisions, and create operators who are much better prepared from the start,” said Jose Miguel Montoya, Commercial Director of APEX Simulators.

With this implementation, the group positions Nuevo León as a leading state in the adoption of technologies for training in road transport and HG Transportaciones University as a training model.

In this context, according to figures from the International Road Transport Union (IRU) in 2025, a shortage of 99,000 operators was reported in Mexico in 2024 and it is projected that by 2028 it could reach a shortage of more than 106,000 operators.

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El cargo HG Transportaciones University maintains alignment with APEX for operator training apareció primero en T21.

ATITALAQUIA, HGO.- The  Hidalgo State Institute for Job Training (ICATHI) celebrated its 31st anniversary in a ceremony that was marked by the delivery of a fifth wheel simulator from the company  APEX Simuladores  to the Atitalaquia campus. 

“ We are going  to formally inaugurate the fifth-wheel simulator project, and we hope that this simulator inspires us to transform our reality. Because when we work together, the productive sector and the government, we build a better future for Hidalgo,” said Jorge Israel Acosta Benítez, Director General of ICATHI .

The APEX simulator will allow aspiring truck drivers to practice complex maneuvers in safe, virtual environments . In an interview with T21, Acosta Benítez indicated that the simulator aims to recapture the spirit of men and women who love to travel the roads and whose dedication is a commitment to the ICATHI community . 

“It’s a very valuable experience, and it also allows us to respond institutionally to a request made at the first liaison committee meeting for this transportation zone. At that time, they asked us for support with a simulator, and today we can fulfill that commitment,” Acosta explained. 

At the handover ceremony, Claudia Sandoval Ramírez, the municipal president of Atitalaquia, emphasized that the simulator represents an opportunity for improvement . 

“ This team represents a great opportunity to strengthen the capacity of our citizens, preparing them to integrate into a key sector for the economic development of our region,” Sandoval shared.

During his address, Héctor Martínez Castuera , coordinator of the  State Decentralized Organizations of the Institutes for Job Training (ICAT) , emphasized that highways cannot be conceived “without the support of federal freight and passenger transport,” and that continued work on training is necessary. He added  that this type of training helps alleviate the existing shortage of drivers .   

“ The sector has a need,” explained Luis Ruiz, the  general director of Federal Motor Transport , “ to serve approximately 90,000 drivers nationwide. In our area, the  CECATIS  and  ICATHIS centers have 673 units across the country with the capacity to provide this training, and with the support of business owners and transportation associations, we can try to meet this demand ,” Martínez stated .   

For her part, Jessica Alfaro, representative at the event of the  National Chamber of Freight Transportation (Canacar) , referred to the benefits of the training program with the simulator. 

“This has greatly benefited us due to the current national shortage of operators. Operators no longer train themselves as they once did; now we have to invite them, convince them, and train them—and train them in a safe manner to guarantee their professional development,” Alfaro pointed out. 

He emphasized that the simulator facilitates the learning of trainee operators, who have no experience driving a fifth-wheel unit, preventing the change from driving a car from being too abrupt . 

Regarding the functionality of the simulator, José Ramón Nájera, head of the IT department at ICATHI, highlighted that its main purpose is to help operators overcome their fear of driving large vehicles . 

“With this simulator you already handle dimensions, you lose the fear, you already have the theory, the practical aspect and the knowledge; the only thing missing is applying it in real life,”  Nájera explained . 

Furthermore, the new equipment offers a much more realistic experience by accurately reproducing the dimensions, movement of the trailer, and cargo handling . In addition, its software- based operation allows for regular updates tailored to the institute’s needs, representing added value for student training.  

For his part, José Miguel Montoya, Commercial Director of APEX Simulation and Technology, a leading simulation solutions company in Mexico, commented: “ At APEX we will continue working to implement this type of fully immersive cabin simulators in more  ICATs ,  CECATIS  and  Conaleps  nationwide with the aim of addressing the  shortage  of operators and contributing to professionalization in  Mexico . ” 

Currently,  the fifth wheel operator training program has  a  projection of reaching a production of almost 200  operators  annually  between the Atitalaquia and Mineral de la Reforma facilities within two or three years . 

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El cargo ICATHI adds APEX simulator for training in Hidalgo apareció primero en T21.