Cargo Theft Drops in June, But Continues Threatening Freight

Despite a reported 22.96% decline in cargo theft in June 2025 compared to the same period last year, the crime continues to pose a significant threat to Mexico’s road freight sector, a cornerstone of the national economy. The problem remains widespread, particularly in states critical for national logistics.

The road freight sector is essential to Mexico’s economic engine, transporting 58% of the country’s domestic cargo, equivalent to 572 million t, and contributing 5.9% to the national GDP. The sector also provides 2.3 million direct jobs. However, its structure is highly fragmented: while 80.8% of permit holders are microenterprises, they manage just 21.5% of the national cargo vehicle fleet, which totals 1.91 million registered units, 1.44 million of which are used for cargo transport, says CANACAR.

Hotspots for Cargo Theft

According to data provided by the Executive Ministry of the National Public Security System (SESNSP) during June 2025 the states with the highest number of thefts include the State of Mexico, Puebla, San Luis Potosi, Michoacan, and Oaxaca. Notably, the State of Mexico and Puebla reported a month-over-month decrease in incidents, according to official records.

Yet, when analyzing insured heavy equipment theft from July 2024 to June 2025, data from the Mexican Association of Insurance Institutions (AMIS) reveals a different picture. The highest rates were concentrated in the State of Mexico (19%), Puebla (16.5%), Guanajuato (7.27%), Veracruz (7%), and Jalisco (6.4%). These five states alone account for 56.17% of reported cases.

Among the most stolen brands were Kenworth, Freightliner, and International. Dry van trailers, dollies, and tankers also ranked high in terms of violent theft, reflecting a growing trend in targeted, high-value cargo attacks.

In June 2025 alone, an average of 23 heavy-duty vehicle thefts occurred daily, with 16 recoveries. Monthly, this amounted to 688 thefts and 466 recoveries — a recovery rate that, while significant, still leaves a large gap in terms of lost goods and operational disruption.

Government Response: Strategic Plan for Safety and Regulation

To address these challenges, the federal government has outlined a National Infrastructure and Transport Plan, introduced by Deputy Minister of Communications and Transportation, Tania Carro.

The plan centers around five strategic pillars, two of which are particularly relevant to the issue of cargo theft:

1. Road Safety: The government aims to enhance coordination among the National Guard (GN), the Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), and the National Public Security System (SESNSP). Key actions include stricter enforcement of weight and dimension compliance and revisions to the NOM-012-SCT-2-2017 safety standard.

2. Regulation: Authorities plan to organize and regulate tow truck services and crack down on irregular freight operations, especially in problematic corridors such as Oaxaca and Puebla-Tlaxcala.