In the most recent study on operator shortages by the International Road Transport Union (IRU), Mexico is the region where companies face the most significant challenges in recruiting operators. Nearly 74% of them experience severe or very severe situations, compared to 62% in Europe and 65% in Russia.

In Europe, measures are being implemented to comprehensively address the operator shortage issue. This includes the European standard for safe rest areas, aimed at providing favorable conditions for truck operators.

Another approach involves collaboration with shippers to create favorable conditions for operators at their facilities or during loading and unloading activities.

“The issue of infrastructure, in general, is crucial for addressing operator shortages. Globally, there are measures that could be emulated in Mexico as a way to tackle the challenges we face,” commented Martin Rojas, IRU’s Principal Advisor for the Americas.

Rojas also noted that meetings were held with Mexico’s Directorate General of Federal Road Transport (DGAF) to discuss rest areas and how they are categorized based on the services provided to operators. This could be a factor in addressing the generation and retention of this workforce.

“The main problem faced in operator shortages is with long-haul operators, so infrastructure needs to be addressed,” he added.

Additionally, at its upcoming June assembly, the IRU will address the possibility of incorporating non-European Union operators, such as migrants, into the workforce of those countries. This is seen as a way to address the global operator shortage issue.

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While the role of authorities and vehicle manufacturers is crucial in achieving zero-emission mobility in Mexico, one of the decisive factors for the adoption of clean energy is the companies that use freight transport.

Leonardo Gómez, CEO of the National Association of Private Transport (ANTP), emphasized the need to understand the purpose of distribution vehicles, long-haul transportation, and automobiles to distinguish the necessary actions for transitioning to cleaner energies.

“Our goal is to improve the environment, which is why one of the proposals we continue to make at ANTP is the renewal of the vehicle fleet for long-haul transportation. Another recommendation is the use of double-articulated vehicles, as they are the most efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly. We also need to promote a decarbonization and energy efficiency action plan, based on the reality in which we live,” defined Gómez during his participation in the Sustainable Mobility Forum organized by the Private Sector Studies Commission for Sustainable Development (Cespedes) and the Business Coordinating Council (CCE).

The ANTP executive pointed out that, although companies’ decisions are focused on continuous improvement and transitioning to cleaner energies, a significant obstacle is the lack of public policy that provides clear direction and establishes objectives to be achieved regarding zero emissions, not only concerning electric vehicles but also in anything that improves the movement of goods.

Gómez mentioned that one option to increase the range of electric vehicles for freight transportation today is to increase the number of batteries; however, this compromises payload, impacting business profitability.

In the same line, the ANTP representative highlighted battery integrity over the years as a pending issue. Gómez questioned the recharge capacity of batteries in the future.

Another obstacle to the adoption of electric vehicles for transporting goods is the charging time, which can take a minimum of two to three hours. “(…) it is no longer profitable. Freight transport vehicles are, if possible, designed to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” he commented.

“We recognize and seek efficiency and productivity because this is business for everyone, both for those who sell electric vehicles and batteries, and for those who use the vehicle. In this regard, we must make it sustainable and viable,” Gómez affirmed.

He also emphasized that ANTP-affiliated companies will continue to work and invest in pilot programs with manufacturers to establish the key elements for achieving an energy transition in the short term, “where we all win,” he added.

He also stated that as an industry, there is an obligation to approach deputies and senators so that with facts and data, information is shared for making the best decisions. “They are not specialists in this, therefore, we have an obligation to participate and work together so that public policies are efficient and realistic,” he expressed.

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