Mexican truckers call indefinite national strike over insecurity and costs

Mexican cargo trucking organizations have called for an indefinite national strike starting Monday, October 26, citing rampant insecurity, extortion, and rising operational costs. The protest is led by the National Chamber of Cargo Transportation (CANACAR) along with AMOTAC, FEMATRAC, and INDECO. Source: Excélsior

The demands

Truckers are demanding effective measures against robberies and assaults on highways, an end to alleged abuses and extortion by authorities, and adjustments to fiscal stimulus changes in the 2027 Economic Package that reduce the cap on toll tax credits from 300 million to 250 million pesos. CANACAR has proposed raising the cap to 420 million pesos to offset inflation. Source: Milenio, Excélsior

The scope and impact

While the strike is national, specific states, highways, and schedules have not been announced. Source: Milenio CANACAR president Augusto Ramos Melo stated the protest will involve suspending operations and circulating convoys without blocking roads. Source: Milenio AMOTAC president Carlos García Álvarez estimated one million truckers will participate. Source: Milenio The sector moves 1.6 million tons of goods daily and handles 21,000 border crossings with the U.S., valued at $1.8 billion. Source: Milenio Disruptions could affect the supply of food and fuel. Source: Milenio

Recent context

On October 22, AMOTAC blocked several highways in Puebla after the murder of regional delegate Estanislao Hernández Lozano. Blockades were lifted after a dialogue with state authorities, with a follow-up meeting set for October 28. Source: Infobae Truckers report that violence has forced them to avoid rest stops and rush deliveries. Source: Infobae