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.

The National Association of Private Transportation (ANTP) recognized 1,407 operators and various companies during the twenty-seventh edition of the National Road Safety Award (PNSV) , held on October 19, with the aim of distinguishing safe driving trajectories and business practices aimed at preventing accidents on Mexican roads.

According to information provided by the association, 648 operators earned first place, 471 second, and 288 third. Later, a special recognition was given to 19 operators who were inducted into the Hall of Fame for having 30 or more years of service without causing or being involved in accidents; for having earned first place in the National Road Safety Program (PNSV) for three consecutive years; and for having left driving to dedicate themselves to training or instructing other truck drivers. More than 1,200 people attended the ceremony .

Alex Theissen , president of the ANTP Board of Directors , emphasized that road safety is the result of the daily decisions of operators, from checking their vehicles before starting a journey to respecting speed limits and paying constant attention to the road.

“Taking care of those who drive is the best investment we can make,” he said, highlighting the importance of continuous training, vehicle maintenance, and adequate work and rest periods.

Recognized companies

The following companies were mentioned during the ceremony:

1. Aldafa Transport .
2. Alpura .
3.  Almex (Tepotzotlán and Monterrey) .
4. Pilot Transport .
5. Bimbo .
6. Barcel .
7. Coca-Cola FEMSA Primary Distribution .
8. Coca-Cola FEMSA (Puebla Base).
9. Coca-Cola FEMSA (Base Los Reyes La Paz).
10. Arca Continental Distributor , Northeast Region.
11. Arca Continental Distributor , Western Region.
12. The Iron Palace .
13. Post Office .
14. La Corona Soap Factory .
15. Express Cold .
16. Boundary .
17. Oxxo .
18. Pilgrim’s .
19. Sigma .
20. Soloista .
21. Zemog Conveyor .
22. Marva Transport .
23. Zinergia .

Prevention and training in road transport

During his remarks, Cruz Isaac Muñoz Navarro , Coordinator of Highway and Facility Security for the National Guard , highlighted the collaboration with the ANTP ( National Association of Private Transportation) to strengthen accident prevention and operator training, as well as the importance of modernizing fleets and incorporating driver assistance technologies. He noted that the institution holds regular meetings with representatives of the sector to understand highway safety needs and coordinate preventative measures.

The Undersecretary of Transportation for the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) , Tania Carro Toledo , emphasized that trucking accounts for approximately 60% of the nation’s freight . Regarding security, she reported that around 68,000 inspections of cargo vehicles were carried out during the first half of 2026. She also reported the closure of more than 800 unauthorized access points on federal highways and noted that the agency is working on developing safe rest stops for truck drivers.

The ANTP , for its part, emphasized that continuous training, vehicle maintenance, and adequate working and rest conditions are fundamental elements to strengthen road safety in freight transport operations.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn: @Alberto Milo / @GrupoT21

El cargo In the 27th edition of the PNSV, ANTP recognizes more than 1,400 operators and 23 companies for their results apareció primero en T21.

SÃO PAULO, BRA.- Argentina sat next to Mexico; Peru chatted with Chile; Uruguay, Brazil, and other Latin American countries completed a scene where accents shifted from one chair to another. So did the stories: hazardous materials, mining, parcel delivery, family businesses, communications, operations, and, of course, trucks.

There were women who had just met and were already exchanging contact information. Others discovered that, although thousands of miles separate their operations, the challenges are more similar than they imagined. There was laughter, reflection, and, above all, many stories to share.

This is how “Connection” was experienced , the first activity of the tenth edition of Queen On The Road , the annual Scania meeting that this 2026 celebrates 10 years of bringing together women linked to transport and logistics in Latin America .

T21 traveled with Scania Mexico to São Paulo to experience this edition from the inside, accompanied by representatives from ADO , Estafeta , and Autotransportes Pilot . The first night revealed that behind those 10 years lies something that is difficult to capture in a group photograph: women of different ages, countries, and backgrounds who found common ground in transportation .

31 years and a history between Argentina and Chile

One of them is Marianela . She is 31 years old , came from Jujuy, in northern Argentina, practically on the border with Bolivia, and when she starts talking about her work, it’s clear that transportation isn’t simply the industry she happens to be in. She’s passionate about it.

Its operation is linked to the movement of general and hazardous cargo , mainly for mining companies in the north, between Argentina and Chile.

“We’re in that field, which is a little complicated. They have more and more requirements, but we’re here to improve every day,” she said while the others listened to her story.

Marianela also represents a young generation growing up in an industry that for a long time had a predominantly male face. But a stroll through the tables that night was enough to discover that there wasn’t just one way to get to the transportation.

From Mexico, Fatima Verdugo, from Estafeta , spoke about courier and parcel services and an operation capable of moving stories that are much more everyday than one usually imagines when talking about logistics.

From Argentina also came the story of a woman who, 20 years ago, started out with her husband, then a truck driver, when they were able to buy their first truck. She was a teacher and educational psychologist; he ended up leading her into the world of transportation. Two decades later, that first truck is part of the story that has now brought her to Queen On The Road. And so, stories continued to emerge from  other parts of the region .

Different ages. Different companies. Different goods. But as the talks progressed, borders also began to shrink in the face of the problems: lack of operators, greater regulatory demands, rising costs, and the ongoing challenge of keeping the units moving .

Contexts change from country to country, but many of the concerns ended up coinciding at the same table. Perhaps that’s why the conversation flowed so easily: although each woman arrived in São Paulo from a different reality, many perfectly understood the challenges faced by the woman sitting across from them .

But there came a point when talking about companies, operations, and trucks ceased to be the focus. One by one, the participants were called in to have their picture taken and tell their story in front of a camera. And something changed.

There were poses, laughter, nerves, and even crowns.

For a moment, the name Queen On The Road ceased to be just the title of a meeting: each woman had her own space to be heard, portrayed and recognized as a protagonist of an industry that also carries her history .

And perhaps that was part of the meaning of the night: to stop for a few hours the dynamics of a sector that always seems to run after the next delivery, the next trip or the next problem, to focus on the women who make that operation happen every day .

10 years of Queens

Behind this edition is a story that began a decade ago and that year after year has added new voices, experiences and generations of women related to transportation.

For Sandra Huerta, Chief Marketing Officer of Scania Peru , this event has a special significance. She has been able to support Queen On The Road since its first edition and now gets to experience its tenth anniversary.

“This is a very special edition for Queen. We are celebrating 10 years and I am proud to say that I have been able to participate since the first edition and now in this tenth anniversary with you,” he expressed.

And that’s also part of what makes these days in São Paulo so special: in the same edition, those who have watched Queen On The Road grow for a decade come together with those who are just beginning to discover it .

This is the case of Anna Carmo, Vice President of Strategy and Communications at Scania , who came from Sweden and shared that, although she had heard about the meeting for years, this is the first time she has experienced it as a participant.

Between those who were there from the first editions and those who are experiencing Queen On The Road for the first time today, there are 10 years of stories, encounters, and women who have made transportation part of their lives .

The agenda will continue

The next few days will take the meeting towards other conversations , including women in business and the future of business , the celebration of Queen On The Road’s first decade and a visit to Scania’s industrial operation.

Ten years is also a starting point. The next conversation will be about what’s next: how businesses are changing, what decisions their leaders will have to make, and what role these voices will play in the transformation of transportation.

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

El cargo apareció primero en T21.

International Motors Mexico received the 2026 National Automotive Industry Award , in the Heavy Vehicle Manufacturer category , during the fifth edition of the recognition, held within the framework of the XXIV International Congress of the Automotive Industry in Mexico (CIIAM) .

The recognition comes at a time when the company is reporting growth in its market share, increasing from 14% in 2023 to 22.7% at the close of July 2026 , while in the cargo segment it reached a share of 26 percent .

The award was received by Marcel Prado, Director of Business Support at International Motors Latin America , who highlighted that the company’s strategy has sought to expand its participation beyond vehicle manufacturing.

“This recognition reflects the work we have done to evolve alongside our customers. Today, our role goes beyond manufacturing vehicles: we develop solutions that connect technology, service, and operational capacity to meet their needs,” Prado emphasized.

Among the tools implemented by International is its Control Tower , a platform that connects vehicle information with the service network and which, according to the company, has allowed preventive maintenance to be reduced from up to two days to 3.5 hours .

This tool is complemented by maintenance programs, warranties, monitoring and roadside assistance for fleet operations.

The company also reported an investment of 708 million pesos earmarked for the renewal, expansion, and modernization of its dealer network. These actions are part of International 2030 , a strategy that encompasses technology, customer service, talent development, and sustainability.

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El cargo International receives 2026 National Automotive Industry Award apareció primero en T21.

GUADALAJARA, JAL.- A stopped unit stops producing, and although the causes that can lead a tractor-trailer to the workshop are diverse, behind its availability there is also a challenge for the tractor-trailer parts chain : having the correct component and in the necessary quantities when the carrier requires it.

Inventory planning thus becomes relevant to keep units moving, particularly in the face of demand that can change depending on fleet needs.

During the meeting “Connections that drive the path” , organized by Converto SPs in Guadalajara, Iván Carrillo, Sales Manager of Continental , pointed out that maintaining the correct part numbers and quantities represents one of the challenges of this chain.

“It’s always a challenge to have the right part numbers in the right quantities, believe me, it’s a real headache,” he stressed.

The challenge lies in responding to dynamic demand. Carrillo gave the example that there may be seasons when a customer requires 20 airbags and the available inventory is only 10.

“This is very dynamic; having the right inventory, the right part number is a big challenge,” he emphasized.

But obtaining the part is only part of the challenge . Its performance also has implications for vehicle availability and the costs faced by a trucking company .

The specialist explained that a part that fails prematurely can necessitate a replacement, requiring the vehicle to be returned to the workshop early, increasing downtime and, consequently, costs. If the failure occurs on the road, it may even require roadside assistance.

“In a short time you’re going to have to repair it again, you’re going to have to bring your units back to the workshop again and that costs money, inactivity costs money,” he said.

From this perspective, the purchase price is no longer the only factor in choosing a tractor part . Performance, replacement cycles, and the cost of taking a unit out of service for maintenance are also taken into account.

That’s where the concept of total cost of ownership comes in , which Carrillo linked to the investment made in the components and their performance during operation.

Availability also requires coordination between manufacturers and distributors. In this regard, he emphasized that even with technological advancements, a component needs to be available on the market when the customer requires it. In Continental’s case, the company works with Converto SPs as a business partner to make its portfolio more accessible to different channels.

Thus, the challenge for the truck parts supply chain goes beyond expanding a catalog: it involves anticipating demand, having the required part number available, and reducing the chances of a unit being out of service , because for a fleet the cost of a spare part does not end with the part itself; it can also be measured in the time the truck is out of service.

According to the consulting firm IMARC Group , the aftermarket for heavy vehicles in Mexico reached 2.1 billion dollars (USD) in 2025 with an estimated 3.4 billion USD in 2034.

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

El cargo Continental: the availability of tractor parts challenges fleet operations apareció primero en T21.

GUADALAJARA, JAL.- Keeping a tractor-trailer moving depends on more than just having cargo and a driver. Behind every kilometer lies a chain of components, maintenance, and spare parts availability that can make the difference between continuing the route or taking a unit to the repair shop.

Under this premise, Converto SPs , a company dedicated to the distribution of tractor parts and lubricants, brought together in Guadalajara customers, carriers and representatives of Fleetguard , Continental , Grote , Meritor , Horton , PrimeBlue , STEMCO and Castrol , among others, during the meeting “Connections that drive the road” , in which the brands shared solutions and technologies for different components of the tractor and trailer.

The meeting had three objectives: to celebrate the relationship with the brands that have supported the company, to learn about the innovations they are bringing to market, and to strengthen technical connections and relationships among the participants.

In a scenario that the company itself recognizes as complex for the industry, Converto SPs is heading towards its 40th anniversary , while observing signs of recovery in the market.

“As we all know, the industry has experienced a bit of a decline. It has been complicated. The last few years haven’t been the best, but we are still in this recovery phase,” said Xavier Hernández, CEO of Converto SPs.

The operation enters the conversation

The brands’ presentations addressed topics ranging from unit availability and maintenance intervals to safety and the potential cost of a vehicle being out of service for a fleet.

Fleetguard addressed filtration as a way to protect equipment investments against challenges such as unscheduled downtime, increasingly demanding maintenance intervals, more advanced engine technology, and the need to maximize unit availability.

The brand presented filtration technologies that aim to extend maintenance intervals, retain contaminant particles, and increase filter efficiency throughout their lifespan.

For his part, Iván Carrillo, Sales Manager of  Continental , presented part of the ContiTech portfolio for heavy vehicles, which includes airbags, engine belts, tensioners and hoses.

The company paid special attention to product availability. Carrillo explained that maintaining the correct part number and the necessary quantities presents a challenge due to fluctuations in demand.

The manufacturer also brought up the total cost of ownership , noting that a lower-priced part can later involve replacements, further visits to the workshop, downtime, and even roadside assistance.

In lighting and security systems, Grote presented part of its offering for tractor-trailers and trailers, in addition to some of its recent launches.

These include an LED headlight for the Freightliner M2, as well as a rechargeable mini-beacon. The company emphasized that its products comply with applicable regulations in Mexico, the United States, and Canada, a key factor for fleets with cross-border operations.

Meritor , represented by Osvaldo Mendoza, addressed components such as axles, brakes, brake pads, automatic adjusters, and suspension elements.

During his presentation, he pointed out that the drum brake maintains a relevant presence in the configurations used in Mexico , so part of his portfolio focuses on components associated with this system.

In cooling systems, Horton presented fan clutch technologies focused on decreasing unnecessary activations and reducing fuel consumption.

The company also showcased pre-assembled kits designed to reduce repair times and installation errors, as well as remanufactured alternatives aimed at returning units to operation more quickly.

PrimeBlue focused its participation on solutions related to automotive urea and aftertreatment systems, while STEMCO and Castrol were also among the brands participating in the event.

The presentations gave way to a question and answer session in which the attendees themselves brought the conversation to the real operating conditions.

The meeting also addressed the real-world conditions under which the units operate. Overloading, route type, and operational characteristics can accelerate the wear of components such as airbags and shock absorbers , so their performance depends not only on the part’s specifications but also on how and where the vehicle operates.

In this scenario, the challenge for the tractor parts market is to keep up with the demands of an operation that seeks to keep units available, reduce interventions and obtain greater performance from each component.

“I believe the challenge remains to always offer quality products that make the operational side of each company more efficient with greater performance at the best possible cost,” Hernández said.

After the presentations and technical exchange, “Connections that drive the path” gave way to a more relaxed part of the day.

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El cargo Converto SPs connects the truck parts industry to keep fleets moving apareció primero en T21.

Mexico’s foreign trade operates under strict continuity and security requirements for companies within the supply chain . These include companies certified as Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs), which are subject to minimum security standards and measures to identify and mitigate risks that could affect their operations. The contrast becomes apparent when the public infrastructure supporting the trade faces a contingency and the backup mechanisms are put to the test.

This occurred on September 14th . A disruption in the electrical power supply that feeds some servers of the Tax Administration Service (SAT) caused intermittent connection issues for generating the Document for Customs Clearance Operation (DODA) , according to information from the SAT itself and the National Customs Agency of Mexico (ANAM) .

The situation takes on a new dimension when considering the value of goods traded between Mexico and its main trading partner. From January to July 2026, trade between Mexico and the United States reached $588,523.8 million , comprised of $358,707 million in Mexican exports and $229,816.8 million in imports from the United States.

El cargo Mexican foreign trade at the mercy of a power outage apareció primero en T21.

The revocation of B1 visas for Mexican truck drivers has once again created a barrier to cross-border transportation with the United States. What began with drivers denouncing the cancellation of their visas for alleged cabotage operations escalated in early September to a blockade of the Mexicali-Calexico border crossing as they demanded clarity on the criteria being applied.

The protest lasted four days and ended after authorities and operators reached an agreement to establish working groups and review the cases . Nearly two weeks after the truckers cleared the crossing, operations have returned to normal, but the underlying issue that sparked the protest remains unresolved.

The discussion has now moved from the border crossing to the review of cases. Around 400 to 500 visas are being analyzed to determine if the criteria used by U.S. authorities were correct, particularly in those cases where carriers and operators differ from what is being considered cabotage, according to Israel Delgado, vice president of the Binational Freight Transport Council.

“Things have been calmer lately, particularly at the Calexico-Mexicali border crossing, and what they are doing is continuing the working groups,” Delgado said.

At the heart of the discussion is cabotage , understood in the trucking industry as the movement of cargo between two points within the United States. The disagreement arises in cases where carriers and operators maintain that their activities do not fall under this practice, while the criteria applied by U.S. authorities have resulted in the revocation of their permits.

“What they are doing is continuing the working groups so that they can meet at a later date with the United States Consulate and analyze whether or not the criteria used are grounds for cancellation,” Delgado explained.

He specified that there are cases in which the criteria of carriers and operators differ from what is considered cabotage , so the working groups are looking to review whether the causes that led to the withdrawal of visas actually correspond to this type of operation.

From protest to review

The follow-up has already begun to focus on individual cases. The General Secretariat of the Government of Baja California reported that 126 operators  affected by alleged cabotage have been interviewed, as part of addressing their situation following the revocation of their commercial visas.

During one of the working sessions, Rocío Vázquez Álvarez, head consul of Mexico in Calexico and representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) , confirmed the 126 interviews , as well as the direct attention to the affected operators.

As part of the follow-up, Kurt Honold Morales, Secretary of Economy and Innovation of Baja California , announced the establishment of regional working groups along the border between Mexico and the United States, with the aim of providing support to carriers, streamlining procedures and providing legal certainty.

Behind this situation lies a larger problem. Information previously provided to T21 indicates that between April 2025 and April 2026, more than 25,000 visas were revoked from trucking operators , of which nearly 4,000 were in Baja California, at the Tijuana, Mexicali, and San Luis border crossings.

The discontent escalated in early September. Operators consulted by T21 at the time warned that some were avoiding crossing into the United States for fear of losing their visas , even though they assured that their operations were legal.

After the operators removed the blockade, tensions at the border eased.

“I believe there will be another working meeting with the American consulate in the coming days,” Delgado said.

Almost two weeks after that protest, trucks are circulating again through the crossing, but the reason that led the operators to stop it remains undefined: to clearly establish what operations are considered cabotage and whether that criterion justified the withdrawal of the visas that are now under review.

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

El cargo Due to cabotage risk, up to 500 visas are checked at the border. apareció primero en T21.

El cargo Scania promotes fleet renewal with nearly new vehicles apareció primero en T21.

Security technology is gaining ground in the trucking industry, but simply having devices, cameras, and connectivity platforms doesn’t guarantee their full potential. Operator training and data utilization remain two of the main gaps in maximizing the benefits of these tools.

This was explained by Itzel Alpízar, Business Intelligence & Connectivity Strategy Manager at Daimler Truck Mexico , who pointed out that currently the carriers themselves are showing greater interest in incorporating security solutions into their units, a different scenario from previous years, when brands had to more strongly promote their adoption.

“Customers are usually the ones who seek out or want to ensure they have some of these devices or security features in their vehicles. However, I think the missing piece in the industry now is the full utilization of all the data and all the technology,” he commented.

In an interview with T21, Alpízar explained that the brand’s strategy is focused on strengthening its connectivity and security ecosystem, as well as using technology to contribute to the efficiency of its customers’ operations.

Among the available tools, he mentioned Detroit Assurance and Freightliner Link 3.0 , which work together to generate safety protocols with a preventative approach. Through artificial intelligence (AI), it is possible to process different stimuli from both the environment and the vehicle itself to detect alerts that require action.

The goal, he explained, is to act before an accident occurs or, when an incident has already happened, to activate protocols that help protect the vehicle, the cargo, and the driver. In terms of road safety, the tools also aim to anticipate risk factors such as fatigue.

Training, a gap to close

However, technology requires the participation of those behind the wheel. Alpízar identified the training and awareness of drivers as one of the main gaps in taking advantage of available solutions.

He explained that the company works with its clients on training to facilitate familiarization with these technologies, as there are still cases in which operators obstruct the cameras or show resistance to using them.

“When we show them these videos or best practices with other clients that have helped us prevent accidents or prevent theft, their thinking and adoption change quite a bit,” he said.

The second challenge lies in the data . The platforms generate large volumes of information that need to be translated into decisions and preventative actions.

As an example, he pointed out that if a road is identified where, on a certain incline, vehicles tend to exceed their speed excessively, parameters and other actions can be established to help prevent risks. Customizing platforms, devices, and alerts also allows solutions to be tailored to each client’s needs.

The relationship between carriers and these tools has also changed. According to Alpízar, initially it was the responsibility of the supplier companies to approach clients and demonstrate the need to incorporate technology; now, it is the carriers themselves who seek out security devices and solutions.

However, he considered that the next step for the industry will be to take full advantage of the information generated by these technologies , so that the data can be translated into specific measures for each operation.

More tracking capabilities

Looking ahead to the evolution of these solutions, the company is working on incorporating additional tracking sensors , with the intention of facilitating the monitoring of different components of the operation, even when there are changes in boxes or goods.

It also seeks to strengthen tools focused on operator performance. Alpízar explained that they already have Driver Coach , which provides operators with suggestions to improve their performance, while they work on strengthening a scoring system that allows clients to identify best practices and replicate them among their other operators.

Given what he described as a challenging macroeconomic environment, the strategy will be to stay close to customers and complement the units with solutions that allow them to make better use of their assets.

“What we are looking for is to be very close to our customers and be able to offer them these kinds of differentiators that help them to take full advantage not only of the unit, but also of the range of solutions we have to support them in this situation,” he pointed out.

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

El cargo Freightliner focuses its strategy on data and training to strengthen safety apareció primero en T21.