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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OXXO Gas , part of FEMSA Proximidad y Salud , presented its first 2024 Sustainability Report , highlighting various actions aimed at consolidating its leadership in Mexico’s energy transition, as well as the social support it provides in the communities where it operates.

Among the projects with impact, he noted is the Majalca safe shelter in Chihuahua , which, in collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) , the National Guard and commercial allies, will offer a safe and comfortable space for transporters and drivers, with an OXXO store, restaurants, mechanical services, restrooms and showers.

Another project is the partnership with Mecánica Tek —a specialized provider of comprehensive vehicle maintenance—which seeks to optimize processes at key stations, achieve zero-waste certifications , and recover hazardous waste to mitigate the environmental impact of its operations, OXXO Gas detailed in a statement.

Regarding sustainability , the company detailed that 14% of its energy comes from renewable sources, and that more than 3,000 trees have been planted at its service stations.

They also saved more than 20,000 cubic meters (m3) of water through dry urinals and efficient technology, 16% of waste was recycled thanks to proper separation and management with specialized suppliers, 100% of stations were equipped with vapor recovery systems, and the use of UBA diesel (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel) was promoted to reduce emissions, protect the environment, and the health of customers and employees.

“Sustainability isn’t just a rhetoric; it’s a daily practice reflected in our operations, our treatment of people, and every investment we make. Our commitment is to lead the energy transition with transparency, legality, and a long-term vision,” emphasized David González García, CEO of OXXO GAS.

OXXO Gas also reported on the actions taken to drive the transformation of the communities where it operates, prioritizing health, education, inclusion, and local development.

In this regard, he explained that they supported 25 community initiatives, and that a direct social investment of more than 980,000 pesos was made. Additionally, nearly 96,000 people benefited through social institutions.

“Among other actions, through its “Liters with a Cause” program, they joined in the strengthening of civil society organizations in Mexico by contributing to the supply of the fuel necessary for their operations. Since its creation, they have donated more than 185,000 liters of gasoline. In 2024, 20 institutions will benefit from more than 38,000 liters of fuel,” the company added.

With 555 stations in 17 Mexican states and more than 330,000 daily customers , OXXO Gas seeks to offer certainty, close attention, and comprehensive solutions. It also promoted more than 190,000 hours of training, in partnership with Tecmilenio, to strengthen leadership development and job security.

Additionally, it was recognized by the Onexpo National Association (union of gas station associations) for its focus on human capital and held the Excellence Cup, which recognizes the outstanding performance of stations and employees.

According to its second-quarter 2025 earnings report, OXXO Gas’s same-station sales (establishments with more than 12 months of operation) increased 4.9%, while cumulative sales were 5.2% higher than the same period in 2024.

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Mecánica Tek , which is part of the portfolio of services offered by Oxxo Gas , and a business of FEMSA Proximidad y Salud , inaugurated its new Mecánica Tek Central GAM workshop in the Gustavo A. Madero borough of Mexico City, which, in addition to consolidating its commitment to quality, safety and efficiency in automotive service , seeks to open to the general public.

During the inauguration, César Toledo, national maintenance manager at Mecánica Tek, emphasized that this opening not only marks the beginning of a new era, but also symbolizes a horizon of opportunities.

“Today we’re not only inaugurating a new journey, but also opening a chapter full of opportunities, innovation, and a commitment to providing our customers with a service,” he said.

During his speech, David González, General Manager of Fuels at Oxxo Gas, emphasized that “efficient and safe mobility is essential for business productivity, and that fleet maintenance cannot be a concern, but rather a strength.”

Features of the new workshop

The new facility covers 1,900 square meters (m²) and has 11 service bays , designed to serve as a coordination and technical support center. In its initial phase, it has already processed more than 1,200 services.

According to Fidel Ferrero, workshop manager, while more than 90% of the company’s current work comes from corporate clients, the company is looking to expand its service to individual customers, who currently represent between 5% and 7% of operations . Among its clients with the largest fleets to serve are Qualtia , with more than 300 units, and Oxxo , with nearly 300 vehicles.

This workshop is equipped to service a wide range of vehicles, including motorcycles, light-duty vehicles, medium-duty trucks, and refrigerated units, both gasoline and diesel, as well as hybrid and electric. Areas of specialization include powertrain, bodywork, electrical/electronic systems, and refrigeration or water heaters, as well as preventive and corrective services and roadside assistance .

Mecánica Tek can service up to 22 vehicles per shift, with the possibility of operating three shifts per day. It currently processes an average of 40 units per day , representing 60% of its total capacity, and can maintain a 40% reserve to ensure its clients’ fleets achieve 95% availability.

The event was attended by local authorities, including Manola Zabalza, head of the Mexico City Economic Development Secretariat ; Fernando Martínez, Director General of Legal and Government Affairs for the Gustavo A. Madero Municipality ; as well as collaborators and representatives from the public and private sectors.

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El cargo Mecánica Tek strengthens its presence in Mexico City with a new workshop apareció primero en T21.

Redefining the vision of its business is what has led Oxxo Gas to invest in projects that go beyond offering a fuel supply service , to become an ally in fleet management. In this evolution, the company considered the foundation of an ecosystem of physical and digital solutions.

“After an open dialogue with various transporters, we began to identify the main needs of the activity and began to outline a path to be able to contribute to their solution. We observed that one of the great demands that transporters, and especially operators, have is how to arrive safely to their destination; how to travel on the country’s roads complying with the regulations and at the same time arriving rested to the places where they have to deliver their products,” Carlos Aguirre Quiroga, B2B sales director of Oxxo Gas, explained in an interview for T21.

Considering the above and given the large deficit of safe stops in the country, which according to data from the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) , reaches 1,291 sites to meet the demand for safe and comfortable services for operators, Oxxo Gas identified that of its 40 service stations located on the national highway network, a good portion had enough space to be more than a fuel station.

This was the beginning of a safe parking project by Oxxo Gas in coordination with SICT that is now a reality, since the pioneer parking lot in Majalca, Chihuahua, is already under construction, part of a network that is planned to extend to strategic locations in the country in the following years, taking advantage of the current infrastructure, but also betting on safe parking lots from scratch .

“We see that there is a great need throughout the road network, but we must be strategic when defining critical points and those with the greatest traffic, so that the infrastructure can be used,” said Aguirre Quiroga.

Although the following projects have not yet been defined, the B2B sales director of Oxxo Gas said that it is likely that the safe stops will be located on Highway 57, the Mexico-Querétaro highway, border areas and ports. In addition, he explained that work is already underway on the first steps, which are the identification of the sites, technical feasibility, definition of the size of the property, studies of vehicle flow and its type .

It is worth noting that this first safe-stop project in Majalca, Chihuahua, will be 100% privately funded. However, in the future, Oxxo Gas will seek to leverage public-private investments due to the volume of safe-stops that the country requires. “Support is needed from all parties, because this also has a lot to do with security and this is everyone’s responsibility,” explained Aguirre Quiroga.

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