Borderlands Mexico: Criminal groups keep pressure on Mexican freight networks

Mexican government officials report a substantial decline in cargo theft across the nation, crediting federal security initiatives for a projected reduction in incidents through 2026. According to FreightWaves, the National Guard noted that highway safety programs have significantly lowered crime rates on major routes like the Mexico-Querétaro and Mexico-Puebla corridors. These authorities claim that total thefts have dropped by over half since 2018, citing increased vehicle recovery and the arrest of organized crime members.

Despite these official figures, supply chain management firm Overhaul indicates that freight security remains a critical challenge. Their data shows that the vast majority of thefts involve violence, posing a consistent danger to drivers and fleet operators. Criminal activity is currently concentrated in the central and western regions of the country, with three specific states accounting for nearly half of all national incidents. Food, beverages, and agricultural products remain the primary targets for these groups.

Outside of security concerns, the region is seeing significant industrial growth and infrastructure investment. Nuevo León reported over $17 billion in manufacturing exports during the first five months of 2026, solidifying its position as a major trade hub. Simultaneously, Mitsubishi Logistics announced a $40 million investment to build two new distribution centers in Texas and Alabama, aiming to expand its warehouse footprint in the United States by mid-2027.