The evolution of road transport in Mexico not only demands more efficient units and new technologies, but also better prepared operators to face the risks of the road , an activity in which training, road safety and rest conditions are fundamental.

On the occasion of Operator Day , International highlighted the importance of strengthening the skills of these professionals through training programs and actions focused on their well-being, given the demands involved in transporting goods in the country.

One of these initiatives is Elite Driver , an efficiency and safety certification program that includes 16 hours of theoretical and practical training, as well as evaluation and follow-up.

According to the company, in addition to improving driving skills, a more efficient operation can open up professional development opportunities and facilitate access to additional benefits related to operator performance.

In the area of ​​road safety, International also participates together with the National Association of Private Transport (ANTP) in the Road Safety Masters (MASVI), an initiative operated by the organization and aimed at operators of affiliated private companies, with the objective of strengthening the prevention of risks on the road.

Well-being during working hours is also part of this strategy . Through its dealer network, the manufacturer has incorporated operator lounges, spaces designated for rest, meals, and personal hygiene for operators while their vehicles receive specialized maintenance.

According to information from International, nine out of 10 operators recommend the brand, a result that the company links to the trust developed between the operators and its service network.

“Operators are professionals who face great challenges and make personal sacrifices to ensure goods reach their destination. At International, we recognize this effort and know that our commitment must go beyond technology,” said Rafael Alvarenga, President of Commercial Operations for International in Latin America .

The executive added that the company seeks to support their development, contribute to their safety, and offer spaces where they feel valued, also considering the impact that long hours and absences have on their families.

With these initiatives, International seeks to strengthen the preparation and well-being of operators, in an industry where the safety of each journey depends as much on the technology of the units as on the capabilities and conditions of those who operate them .

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El cargo International is committed to the training and well-being of operators apareció primero en T21.

Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas , will bring together for two days operators, mechanics, business owners and families around freight transport , with driving skill competitions and activities that seek to bring new generations closer to an industry that faces the challenge of attracting and retaining talent.

On October 17th and 18th , the Sports City of Nuevo Laredo will host the seventh edition of MT Frontera , the Trucking Festival , an event that seeks to bring families and new generations closer to the various activities that are part of this industry.

“The event has a very direct purpose, which is to represent the entire freight transport industry. Yes, the operator, but also those who work in the company, the mechanic, the supplier, the director; the entire freight transport ecosystem,” said Mario Saldívar, general director of MT Mexico .

For this edition, 85 operators are registered in two categories , who will face various skill and maneuvering tests. The event has a capacity of approximately 90 participants per day.

The tests are not solely aimed at finding the most skilled operator. During the maneuvers, aspects related to speed, safety, and precision are evaluated , with the intention of reinforcing practices that will later become part of everyday driving on the road.

From the operator to the mechanic… and even the directors

This year’s edition will expand its activities beyond operational competitions. The program includes Mechanics in Action , as well as MT Kids , a Kids Area, a Food Area, and an MT Stop.

There will also be a special competition: 10 company directors are preparing to participate in a dynamic among themselves, with the intention that the operators see those who head the companies also get involved in activities related to their work.

The meeting also comes at a time when the industry continues to face a shortage of drivers . During the presentation, business leaders acknowledged that the lack of drivers continues to affect the sector and that road safety issues also impact those who work in this field.

Given this scenario, the organizers hope that the festival will also serve as a platform to showcase carpooling to young people and families.

As an example, they pointed out that at the Conalep in Allende, enrollment in the career related to motor transport registered a growth of close to 35% , an increase that they related to the interest generated among young people from this type of activity.

They also highlighted a greater participation of women interested in working as operators , both in traffic and road activities.

The festival’s aim is to showcase the much broader chain behind the movement of a single unit: operators, mechanics, suppliers, workers, and managers are all part of the ecosystem that enables the daily movement of goods. And for two days, in Nuevo Laredo, that ecosystem will have its own dedicated track.

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El cargo MT Frontera prepares its seventh edition in Nuevo Laredo apareció primero en T21.

QUERÉTARO, QRO.- Safety in trucking no longer depends solely on the driver’s reaction. Systems capable of detecting vehicles, pedestrians, blind spots, or unintentional lane departures are being incorporated into tractor-trailers as an additional layer to anticipate risky situations on the road, explained Iván Martínez, Sales Manager for International , during the Tenth National Congress on Road Safety of the  National Association of Private Transportation (ANTP) .

Martínez presented some of the technologies that the manufacturer integrates into its vehicles and emphasized that the goal is to provide the operator with tools that help safeguard their safety. Among these is the collision mitigation system, which uses radar and cameras to monitor what is happening in front of the truck.

Technology as a complement to road safety

The incorporation of technology in heavy vehicles seeks to expand the capacity to respond to situations that may arise during operation, from emergency braking to loss of stability or a variation in tire conditions.

In this sense, the ABS and electronic stability control systems act in scenarios of sudden braking with the aim of maintaining control of the unit and reducing the risk of leaving the road, explained Martínez.

The condition of the braking system and tires is also part of this prevention. During the Road Safety Congress, it was highlighted that disc brakes can reduce braking distance by up to 25% , while tire pressure monitoring keeps the driver informed about one of the elements directly linked to vehicle behavior on the road.

However, road safety doesn’t end with preventing accidents . When a collision can no longer be prevented, passive safety features come into play , designed to reduce its consequences and protect the driver’s safety.

In the case of the units presented by International, the cab undergoes frontal, side, rear, and rollover impact tests to ensure the operator’s safety. Seat belts and airbags are also included as part of the safety features.

The brand also incorporates pedestrian detection and features that can reduce speed and even perform automatic braking when the system identifies a risk and the operator does not execute an evasive maneuver.

This technology is complemented by adaptive cruise control , which maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, as well as lane change and lane departure assistance, with audible and visual alerts when certain driving conditions are detected.

Another point addressed was visibility . The blind spot detection system presented by the company has an approximate range of 12 meters , with the aim of reducing risks during lane changes.

In addition, the units can incorporate cameras that replace or complement the function of rearview mirrors and transmit images to screens located inside the cab. According to International, this provides the operator with information about the sides and rear of the vehicle, as well as reducing the movements required to observe the surroundings during a maneuver.

Thus, technology is added as a tool within a broader road safety strategy: anticipating risks, providing information to the operator, supporting their reaction capacity and reducing the consequences when an accident cannot be avoided .

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El cargo International is betting on technology to anticipate risks on the road apareció primero en T21.

QUERÉTARO, QRO.- Hours behind the wheel, days that can be extended, pressure to fulfill the operation and a rest that is not always sufficient are part of an activity in which the wear and tear does not necessarily end when the operator turns off the engine.

Cardiovascular diseases and fatigue are among the main threats to the lives of truck drivers , one from a health perspective and the other from an operational perspective, but with factors that can end up connecting behind the wheel.

Rodolfo Giacoman, a fatigue management specialist at the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) , pointed out that cardiovascular diseases are the leading biological cause of death , while fatigue represents one of the main occupational risks for operators.

During the Tenth National Congress on Road Safety of the National Association of Private Transportation (ANTP) , the specialist detailed that cardiovascular diseases, which include heart attacks and strokes, represent around 224,000 deaths in Mexico, according to data from the 2024 Registered Death Statistics (EDR) of the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) , which was published at the end of 2025 by the organization.

Furthermore, he pointed out that the EDR explains that if cardiovascular diseases are grouped with related metabolic diseases, the figure reaches approximately 415,000 out of a total of 819,000 deaths .

The problem takes on a particular dimension for the trucking industry. Giacoman indicated that the life expectancy of North American truck drivers is around 61 years , while a significant proportion of this population is over 45 years old.

“If the average is 61, it means that many people are dying at 50 and others at over 61. That is a problem,” he warned.

On the other hand, there is fatigue, whose role in accidents can be difficult to identify because it does not necessarily leave evidence that allows one to immediately determine that an operator was tired.

Giacoman indicated that investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States place fatigue in between 30% and 40% of fatal crashes .

But he warned that its consequences can go beyond accident rates.

“It’s not just causing 30 to 40 percent of fatal crashes. It’s making drivers sick,” he said.

The specialist explained that keeping a person tired and working at maximum capacity can increase inflammatory processes and maintain high levels of cortisol and adrenaline, in addition to interacting with problems such as obesity, diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea.

Therefore, he called on companies to review operational decisions that may lead an operator to continue working despite fatigue.

“It could mean that one day, perhaps, they won’t give him the bonus because he won’t take that extra day off and he’s tired, he’s sick, he needs to rest. Change the priorities, change the way you operate,” he argued.

When the first warning may come too late

In cardiovascular matters, prevention also faces a challenge, and the problem can progress without obvious signs.

During his presentation, Giacoman noted that between 33% and 50% of cases may present with sudden death as the first symptom . “There are no symptoms,” he emphasized.

Among the factors he addressed to determine cardiovascular risk were blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, body mass index, kidney function, family history, and age.

According to Giacoman, addressing these conditions should be part of the safety culture of trucking companies, along with nutrition, exercise, mental health, personal relationships, and proper sleep hygiene.

The approach places two risks under the same discussion: the operator’s safety depends not only on avoiding a road crash, but also on preventing conditions that could deteriorate their health before getting into the vehicle.

In this scenario, the specialist called for the health of operators to no longer be viewed as a separate issue from the operation and to be incorporated into the safety culture of companies, particularly in the face of factors such as fatigue and conditions that increase cardiovascular risk.

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El cargo Cardiovascular diseases and fatigue are among the main risks for truck drivers. apareció primero en T21.

MAJALCA, CHIH.- Fatigue sets in during a night’s journey. After hours behind the wheel and with the cargo still far from its destination, stopping to rest would seem logical, but for truck drivers, finding a safe place to do so remains one of the challenges on the country’s highways.

The problem combines two risks that coexist during the journey : fatigue accumulated from long hours of operation and the insecurity that can arise when stopping. Finding a place to pause also involves considering the driver’s safety, the security of the truck and the cargo, making rest a necessity that is not always easy to fulfill.

This is the reality that drivers constantly express, hence the need to create safe spaces for them. The private sector achieved this; on this occasion, it was OXXO Gas , which, in coordination with the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT),  inaugurated the first OXXO Gas Safe Stop, a Travel Center with Comprehensive Services, in Majalca, Chihuahua, which had been announced in recent days by the federal government.

The space aims to concentrate in one place conditions for the safekeeping of units and goods, as well as services that allow operators to stop and rest before continuing their journey .

The need is not lost on those behind the wheel. During the inauguration, one of the operators recounted that he cannot stop just anywhere on his routes for safety reasons and recalled that he has even been the victim of assault and the theft of a truck.

“This project was designed to benefit the carrier, understanding the needs and challenges they face on the road,” explained Carlos Aguirre Quiroga, B2B director of OXXO Gas, in an interview with T21.

The executive pointed out that the objective goes beyond fuel supply, aiming to provide operators with the necessary services to rest and continue their journey in one place.

The complex required an investment of over 100 million pesos (MXN) , occupies more than 35,000 square meters (m²) , and is expected to benefit around 480,000 users annually . Aguirre explained that approximately 13,000 vehicles , including heavy trucks and light vehicles, pass through this area daily.

The rest stop has capacity for 37 units, including full configurations , in addition to six or seven temporary spaces for stays of between 30 minutes and one hour, intended for those who only need to use some service before continuing their journey.

This site offers rest areas, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, food options, fuel, and mechanical assistance. During the tour of the facilities, it was reported that there are 10 showers, eight for men and two for women .

Resting is also part of road safety

Beyond the protection of the units and goods, the opening of the complex brought to the table another component of road safety: the conditions available for operators to comply with their rest periods.

“Rest is also part of road safety,” said Alex Theissen, president of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Private Transportation (ANTP) .

Theissen explained that a safe road depends not only on the conditions of the infrastructure, signage or vehicles, but also on having places that allow operators to stop, rest and then continue their journey in suitable conditions.

In that regard, Tania Carro Toledo, Undersecretary of Communications and Transportation of the SICT, recalled that NOM-087 establishes maximum driving times and mandatory rest periods for operators.

The official stated that compliance with these periods helps reduce the risk of accidents associated with fatigue and protects both operators and other road users.

But rest isn’t just about having a place to stop. The safety of the driver, the vehicle, and the cargo are the other components the rest stop aims to address.

In that regard, Carlos Aguirre also explained that the complex has access control, cameras, and private security. Furthermore, a barracks for the National Guard was built , with the intention of ensuring a permanent presence of its personnel on the premises.

These measures are complemented by private security patrols and video surveillance, while the parking facility allows cargo units to remain within the complex during rest periods.

The location also takes into account the area’s logistical flow . The project is situated near Federal Route 45, which connects Chihuahua with Ciudad Juárez, identified by the SICT as one of the main corridors for the movement of people and goods to the northern border, Aguirre explained.

More inns in the sights

The opening in Majalca is part of the actions announced days ago by the federal government to strengthen highway safety, including the implementation of the C4 Highway Command Center and the development of a network of 15 safe rest stops. The OXXO Gas complex is the first of these locations to become operational.

Carro Toledo explained that, after this first opening, the SICT has authorization to continue with the development of the executive project for nine other rest stops , while five additional ones are in the process of review, to complete the 15 contemplated.

OXXO Gas has not yet decided where its next project will be located. Aguirre explained that the company is analyzing its network of service stations and various highways to identify locations where the concept could be replicated.

“We are conducting analyses to understand what the next rest stops we could build might be,” he said.

For now, he added, the priority will be to ensure that the Majalca complex meets the needs of the transporters before moving on to other locations.

For Theissen, the need goes beyond a facility.

“Mexico needs a network of safe rest stops that supports the growth of its logistics activity and at the same time recognizes the fundamental role of those who travel our roads every day,” he said.

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El cargo OXXO Gas inaugurates first comprehensive safe rest stop for truck drivers in Chihuahua apareció primero en T21.

The trip may be scheduled, the cargo waiting, and the customer awaiting delivery. But if something goes wrong, the truck doesn’t move. A brake failure or a malfunction in the satellite monitoring system is enough to halt the operation, even if it means waiting for days. In hydrocarbon transport , arriving on time matters, but arriving safely is even more important .

“When they tell me about the brakes and the satellite system, I tell them, ‘No, it’s malfunctioning.’ The vehicle won’t go out. It won’t go out, even if it takes us a week,” stated Julio Pérez Sixtos, general director of Transportes Sixtos , in an interview with T21.

Behind that decision lies an activity that has transformed over the years. Sixtos recounts the time when the trucks arrived at the Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) facilities and the product entered the tank from the top, through what were called “garzas” (herons). With modernization, that method of loading changed, and the filling process moved to the bottom.

What might have seemed like just a change in the process also ended up affecting the equipment. The carriers had to modify valves, incorporate electronic lines controlled from the cab, and make adjustments to control air and vapor leaks.

And each transformation came with investment . When simple configurations gave way to full-featured ones, he explained, the impact was again felt in costs.

“Now the expense was double. It was quite an issue, but it was what we had to do and we pulled it off,” he said.

For Pérez Sixtos, that’s one of the key differences in moving these types of products. It’s not just about transporting cargo from one point to another, but about doing so under conditions that reduce risks for those involved in the operation and for those who share the road.

“We are a specialized, highly specialized job that deserves to have all the safety standards for the good of the community, for those of us who travel on the road,” he stated.

The cost is no longer just in the equipment.

But the requirements for transporting hydrocarbons are no longer focused solely on the vehicles. For Julio Pérez Sixtos, one of the current challenges lies in the number of regulatory changes and administrative burdens that companies must incorporate while maintaining operations.

“The entire sector has had many ups and downs and has undergone many reforms, many regulations, and, in truth, many administrative burdens,” he stressed.

The businessman described the moment as a “wave of many things at once ,” which forces companies to stay up-to-date and allocate resources not only to equipment, but also to training their staff and, when necessary, to external advice.

“We train our staff, or we pay for consulting if we don’t understand something, to be prepared to see how the regulations from the government, the Tax Administration Service , and the National Energy Commission are coming ,” he explained.

For Pérez Sixtos, remaining competitive in this market requires constant adaptation. In addition to the investments made over the years to keep pace with technical and security changes, they now need the time, knowledge, and resources to respond to new regulations.

The challenge lies in doing so without neglecting an operation that, due to the nature of the products transported, does not allow for shortcuts in terms of safety.

Staying in a different market

This adaptation is also taking place in a market that no longer offers the same conditions as years ago. Pérez Sixtos recalls a time when the products they transported were in considerably higher demand. Today, he says, the work continues, but the available volume represents less than half of what they saw back then .

He explained that a truck can remain in operation for four or five years before it is necessary to think about replacing it, since allowing the fleet to age can make it much more expensive to later recover the rate of renewal.

The strategy is to maintain equipment that is one or two years old and continue improving the trailers as well. The goal, he said, is to be able to offer service anywhere in the country with the certainty that the unit will be in good enough condition to complete the route.

The operator, another challenge of specialization

But having the right equipment only solves part of the equation. Finding the right person to operate it has become another challenge . Pérez Sixtos acknowledged that the shortage of drivers already poses a problem for the trucking industry, although in his case the challenge lies particularly in finding suitable candidates for a specialized operation.

The problem extends beyond a single company. According to the International Road Transport Union (IRU) , Mexico has a driver vacancy rate of 14% , the second highest among the markets analyzed, second only to Uzbekistan, with 15%.

According to the expert, part of the current shortage has deeper roots. For years, he recalled, many drivers trained as assistants, working alongside experienced drivers until they acquired the necessary skills to drive. This training system began to disappear due to changes in economic and safety conditions , but also because the companies themselves stopped allowing assistants in their vehicles.

The response has begun to shift towards operator schools and training centers driven by the sector itself, an alternative in which Pérez Sixtos identified successful cases and which, he considered, can contribute to training new operators.

The challenge, however, doesn’t end with simply adding more people behind the wheel. In an activity like hydrocarbon transportation, training operators capable of meeting technical and safety requirements is also part of the specialization .

After years of changes in equipment, processes, and operating methods, the challenge remains the same: ensuring that every trip departs under the necessary conditions to reach its destination. Because in this sector, specialization lies not only in the vehicle that moves the cargo, but also in the hands responsible for transporting it by road .

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El cargo Hydrocarbon transport: adapting to stay on route apareció primero en T21.

Some companies’ stories begin with a business plan. Transportes Sixtos ‘ story began much earlier, when a mother decided to trust her son.

Before buying his first truck, Julio Pérez Sixtos, currently the company’s CEO, spent years looking for an opportunity to start his own business. He found it when his mother, María Gema Sixtos Barrón , decided to believe in his project and use the family savings to buy the first truck. That decision not only marked the beginning of Transportes Sixtos, but also changed the course of the family’s life.

“From that moment on, I felt an enormous responsibility. I couldn’t let myself down anymore, much less her,” Julio Pérez told T21.

When it came time to formally establish the company in 1999, Julio decided to register it in his mother’s name. This was no coincidence, as the first truck had been made possible thanks to the savings she decided to invest in the project. Thus, Transportes María Gema Sixtos Barrón was born , the origin of what is now known as Transportes Sixtos.

The decision reflects a way of understanding business where trust is as important as hard work . Julio often returns to that story when talking about the company’s origins, because he believes that growth began long before the first client: it started with the trust his mother placed in him.

Perhaps that’s why, when asked what has allowed the company to endure for more than two decades, he doesn’t mention business strategies or large investments. He talks about the orderliness he learned from his mother , the discipline to reinvest rather than spend, and the daily work of a team that understands that results are built every single day.

Over time, that first truck grew into a company specializing in hydrocarbon transportation. Today, it transports fuel oil, gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, jet fuel, asphalt, and other refined products, in addition to handling general cargo operations with flatbeds, dry vans, and tank trucks made of carbon steel and stainless steel. Its fleet travels the length and breadth of the country, supplying industries such as construction, rail, and shipping, and has operated at Mexico’s main refineries and ports.

However, Julio avoids measuring growth by fleet size.

“We don’t want quantity; we want quality,” he stressed.

For him, staying competitive means upgrading equipment, investing in security, and responding to the trust that customers place in them every time they deliver their merchandise.

“When a client entrusts us with their product, they are putting part of their assets in our hands. That trust must be repaid with hard work,” he stated.

He applies that same logic within the company.

Transportes Sixtos remains a family business. His mother continues to be involved as a director; his stepfather, one of his brothers, his son Manuel, and his daughter are also part of the daily operations, each in different roles.

But the family doesn’t end there.

Julio Pérez spoke with the same pride about the operators and the administrative staff. He explained that behind each unit there is a family waiting for their weekend pay and that this reality should never be forgotten.

“We know what it means to put food on the table. That’s why we try to be very serious with them,” he said.

Like any company in the sector, the company also adapted to the changes that specialized transport has experienced : new regulations, investments to modernize the units, the technological transition in fuel management, insecurity on the roads and the growing shortage of operators.

Pérez acknowledged that none of these challenges have a simple solution. Therefore, rather than discussing formulas, he emphasizes an idea he repeats several times during the conversation.

“I always look for ways to make things happen,” he said.

It’s not a slogan. It’s how he claims to have faced every stage of the company, from the purchase of the first truck to the investments that specialized transport demands today.

When speaking about the company, Julio summed it up in a single word: “blessing .” Not because of the growth it has achieved, but because, he affirmed, it has been the livelihood of his family, allowed him to fulfill dreams that once seemed distant, and today represents a source of employment for more than 100 families who depend , directly or indirectly, on its operation.

Because in the end, for Julio Pérez Sixtos, transportation has never been just about moving cargo. It has been a way to honor the trust his mother placed in him and to demonstrate that a single truck could become the beginning of a family story.

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El cargo Transportes Sixtos: a company where dreams took the wheel apareció primero en T21.

 The freight trucking industry in Mexico faces a shortage of more than 90,000 drivers , according to estimates from the National Chamber of Freight Transportation (Canacar) . This challenge is compounded by increasingly volatile demand for services, which has led companies in the sector to strengthen their strategies to maintain their competitiveness.

In that context, Grupo GAL (a member of the Top 100 in Transportation® ) believes that talent training and the diversification of its services have been key to consolidating its growth during its first 30 years of operation.

Eduardo Quijano, deputy general manager of Grupo GAL, explained that the main challenge for the sector continues to be the human factor , which is why the company has reinforced its investment in its training center through simulators, school trucks, dormitories and training programs to incorporate new operators.

The executive added that, in addition to the talent shortage, the industry faces a market with a more irregular demand for transportation services, forcing companies to be more efficient and flexible to respond to the needs of their customers.

In that context, Quijano highlighted that one of Grupo GAL’s main achievements has been expanding its value proposition beyond transportation. Since 2007, the company has incorporated a distribution center with the capacity to store eight thousand tons of perishable goods , which is currently undergoing a 20 percent expansion.

This evolution allowed the development of a Logistics as a Service (LAS) model , with which the company offers solutions that integrate transport, storage and distribution, according to the needs of each client.

“The great achievement of the business has been finding a service network that adapts to the diverse needs of customers,” he commented.

When defining Grupo GAL in one word, Quijano chose “resilience ,” asserting that the company has overcome various economic cycles thanks to financial discipline, the constant renewal of its fleet, and a philosophy of continuous improvement.

Currently, Grupo GAL operates a fleet of 400 vehicles , supported by a strategy focused on asset renewal and continuous improvement. For Quijano, maintaining a modern fleet is essential to guarantee service quality, meet customer needs, and strengthen the company’s competitiveness in an increasingly demanding environment.

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El cargo Training and diversification, key to facing the challenges of the trucking industry: Grupo GAL apareció primero en T21.

TIJUANA, BC – The asphalt once again became a test of precision, concentration, and pride. During an intense day, Tijuana brought together drivers, families, companies, and authorities around a common goal: to recognize the talent of those who keep Mexican trucking moving every day .

The fifth edition of MT Mexico Northwest brought together 62 Sleeper Cab category operators , who tested their driving skills in front of hundreds of attendees who, from early on, filled the stands with cheers, applause and the support of their families.

Beyond the stopwatch, MT Mexico has found in Tijuana a strategic location to promote the professionalization and empowerment of truck drivers . After Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, the city where the project originated in 2020, the northern border city has solidified its position as the second location in the national circuit, a choice that reflects the importance of trucking in trade between Mexico and the United States.

During the opening ceremony, the mayor of Tijuana, Abdiel Gutiérrez Coronado , highlighted the importance of trucking as a strategic activity for the economic development of the region and acknowledged that competitions like MT México strengthen the professionalization of those who daily transport the goods that supply the country.

Winners of MT Tijuana

After more than eight hours of competition, the winners of the MT Mexico Northwest 2026 were determined :

First place: José Manuel Domínguez , from Express Service Transport (EST) , with a time of 1 minute, 47 seconds and 3 thousandths.

Second place: Juan Manuel Del Val , from Del Val Trucking, with 1 minute, 48 seconds and 19 thousandths

Third place: Mario Quijada , from Transmex , with 1 minute, 53 seconds and 5 thousandths.

In addition to the podium finish, the following operators also earned their place in the MT Mexico 2027 National Final , which will be held in Tampico, Tamaulipas:

Fourth place: Bernardo Hernández , from Transmex, with a time of 1 minute, 55 seconds and 59 thousandths.

Fifth place: José Ángel Avilés , from JA Logistics, with 1 minute, 56 seconds and 99 thousandths.

Sixth place: Gerardo Sánchez Rivera , from Agramont , with a time of 2 minutes, 2 seconds and 73 thousandths.

In this way, the six best times in the competition will represent Tijuana in the MT Mexico 2027 National Final .

Alfonso Millán , delegate of the National Chamber of Freight Transportation (Canacar) in Tijuana, highlighted that the event has become a tradition for the city and thanked the sponsors, companies and families for their support.

“Thanks to all the sponsors who make this event possible… it continues to focus on families. Seeing the operators here with their wives and children, this has been the fifth edition of MT Noroeste 2026, as is already a tradition in the city,” he emphasized.

Similarly, Mario Saldívar , general director of MT Mexico , stated that the competition represents much more than a test drive, becoming a space where the industry demonstrates unity and support for the operators.

“Today it was shown that it is necessary to show unity and also joy, have faith in those who also have faith in you,” he emphasized.

Classic tractor-trailer trucks also had a special place at MT Tijuana 2026. More than just an exhibit, these vehicles paid tribute to the history of freight transport and to the generations of operators and companies that, through their work, have contributed to building one of the most important industries for the country’s economy.

In addition to the track competition, the Paradero once again proved to be one of the most popular spaces at the event. Entire families, children, drivers, and company representatives mingled throughout the day in an atmosphere where cheers, photos, and conversations made MT México a celebration for the entire trucking community.

The industry was also well represented with the participation of over 30 brands , which offered exhibits and interactive experiences for attendees. Adding to the excitement was the performance by the group Mecánicos en Acción (Mechanics in Action) , which captivated the audience with the live assembly of an engine—a demonstration that drew dozens of people around each part until the assembly was complete.

With each edition, MT Mexico continues to expand its reach as a platform that recognizes talent behind the wheel. In Tijuana, the competition once again demonstrated that precision on the track is also a reflection of the preparation, experience, and commitment that thousands of drivers bring to the country’s roads every day.

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For years, the conversation about distracted operation in trucking focused on driver behavior; however, increasing digitalization has made it clear that the problem is also related to how companies organize road work.

Today, operators maintain constant communication with monitoring centers , receive real-time instructions, and use navigation apps and digital tools to perform their tasks. In this context, reducing distracted operation involves much more than simply prohibiting cell phone use: it requires reviewing processes, strengthening a safety culture, and leveraging technology designed to mitigate risks .

That is one of the main conclusions of the study “Behind the wheel: Distracted driving in physical operations” , prepared by Samsara from a survey of more than 1,550 commercial operators from seven countries, including Mexico, belonging to 21 industries.

Work can also become a distraction

The study found that 79% of operators experienced, during the last year, at least one “near miss” or close incident related to some distraction while driving, while 93% stated that they had faced consequences such as property damage, injuries, fines or even legal proceedings resulting from these types of situations.

Although the cell phone continues to be the main distraction factor , the report shows a relevant nuance for companies: many of the activities that divert attention are part of the operation itself.

74 % of operators indicated that they use mobile phones or other technologies to perform work-related tasks while operating the tractor-trailer. Furthermore, the operators themselves identified reducing work calls and messages during trips , improving communication tools, and having more efficient in-cab navigation systems as priorities.

These results suggest that prevention no longer depends solely on the operator’s discipline, but also on the operational design and the way in which organizations manage the information that their operators receive during the workday.

Another change reflected in the study is the evolution in the perception of monitoring technologies.

For years, tools like dashboard cameras were primarily associated with monitoring mechanisms. However, the operators surveyed show a different view.

Ninety-three percent said that watching footage of their own surgery increased their awareness of distractions while driving , while 60% acknowledged modifying their driving habits after reviewing the footage. Only 6% indicated that these tools did not produce any changes in their behavior.

Furthermore, the technology that operators consider most useful for improving safety corresponds to artificial intelligence (AI)-powered systems capable of detecting distractions and issuing real-time alerts , followed by better hands-free communication systems, voice-activated functions, and tools that reduce unnecessary notifications during operation.

Rather than replacing the operator, these solutions seek to anticipate risks and support decision-making before an incident occurs.

Safety also influences the operator’s retention

The study also shows that safety strategies are beginning to have an impact that goes beyond accident prevention.

Nine out of ten operators stated they would be more likely to stay with a company that implements measures to prevent distractions . For a sector facing difficulties in attracting and retaining talent, safety is also becoming a key element of job competitiveness.

Training is part of that strategy. Ninety-five percent of operators who receive advice or training on distracted driving felt that these actions have positively improved their driving habits. Globally, digital training has become the primary method used by companies , followed by in-person counseling and in-cab alerts.

From punishment to prevention

The results also reflect a change in the way security policies are understood.

While 82 % of operators considered their companies’ current policies effective , respondents indicated that the measures with the greatest potential to reduce distracted driving are not limited to penalties.

Among the most highly valued actions are mandatory training programs, awareness campaigns, the application of rules on the use of mobile devices , and regulations to combat fatigue.

Furthermore, 82% of operators considered that incentives and recognition from companies are more effective in discouraging distracted driving than punitive measures.

A change of focus for operations

Distracted driving will continue to be one of the main risks for trucking. However, the study suggested that its prevention can no longer be addressed solely through the individual responsibility of the driver.

As operations incorporate more digital tools and communication between operators and control centers becomes permanent, companies face the challenge of building operating models that reduce distractions without impacting productivity .

In this scenario, the combination of technology, training, better-designed processes, and an organizational culture focused on prevention is beginning to emerge as a comprehensive strategy to improve safety, strengthen operator retention, and make transportation operations more efficient.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Karina Quintero  /  @GrupoT21

El cargo Distracted driving: the challenge goes beyond the driver and requires changes in company management: Samsara apareció primero en T21.