Mexican Truckers Launch National Strike Over Security and Costs

Mexican trucking organizations launched an indefinite national strike on October 26 over cargo theft, driver violence, extortion, deteriorating highways and rising operating costs. FreightWaves reported that demonstrations were planned in Nuevo Laredo, Reynosa, Monterrey, Tijuana and Mexico City. The locations include major freight hubs serving some of the busiest U.S.-Mexico commercial corridors.

The National Chamber of Freight Transportation, known as CANACAR, and other groups called for truck convoys and vehicles stationed near highways, logistics facilities and strategic freight locations. Organizers described the protests as peaceful, but traffic delays and interruptions remained possible. Mexico's Interior Ministry urged the organization to return to negotiations after other transportation groups reportedly agreed to talks.

The dispute also includes proposed changes to Mexico's 2027 fiscal package that could reduce eligibility for a tax credit covering certain highway toll expenses. Mexican carriers move automotive parts, manufactured goods, agricultural products and other freight that feeds U.S. plants and distribution networks. As of the report, the duration of the strike and its effect on commercial border crossings were not yet clear.

U.S. carriers and shippers should confirm border conditions before committing a driver to a crossing. Dispatchers can protect service by checking appointment flexibility, customs-document readiness, secure parking, alternate crossings and contingency instructions with the broker or customer. Drivers should not enter demonstrations or stop in an unsecured location simply to preserve a schedule. Any reroute must account for fuel, hours of service, tolls and the operating authority needed for each segment. Because the situation can change quickly, fleets should use verified operational updates and communicate revised arrival times before a delay becomes a missed appointment.