FEMATRAC, Government Collaborate to Address Cargo Insecurity

Members of Mexico’s transportation industry led a peaceful demonstration on Feb. 5 to call for safety on the country’s highways. On Jan. 31 and Feb. 3, representatives from the country’s top transport organizations met with authorities to discuss cargo insecurity and set up work tables to find solutions. 

The meetings were attended by members of the Mexican Federation of Transportation and Freight Transport (FEMATRAC), Federal United Drivers (CFU), Integrating Organization of Conventional Rights (INDECO), the Mexican Alliance of Transporters (AMTAC), and the Union of Cargo Transporters (UTRACASIN). Officials from the Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), the National Guard, Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT), and the Ministry of Governance (SEGOB) also attended the meetings.

Lauro Rincón Hernández, President, FEMATRAC, tells MBN that the discussions centered on proposals and suggestions regarding the demand for increased highway security, emphasizing safety measures to benefit all road users, not just truck drivers. Discussions led to an agreement to establish working groups to address these concerns. In exchange, the transport organizations committed to refrain from blocking roads and would instead perform peaceful demonstrations, such as the one that took place on Feb. 5.

In an official statement, the SICT announced that the Mexican government had agreed with representatives of transport organizations to set up dialogue tables to further enhance security on federal highways.

MBN reports that FEMATRAC’s requests involved a radical shift in security strategy, which including urging the removal of underperforming personnel. The association also asked for safe rest areas and well-maintained highways, including toll roads with insurance covering theft and accidents. Additionally, it proposes installing video surveillance at critical highway points funded by toll revenue.

During the working tables, authorities and transport representatives agreed to set up working groups to address road safety issues. SICT presented a draft for the construction of secure rest, while the Government Unit and the General Directorate of Federal Transport issued a legal analysis of digital licenses. Members also agreed to set up security meetings with state and municipal governments.

AMOTAC authorities told MBN that the strike scheduled for Feb. 15 would proceed and distanced themselves from the demonstration held on Feb. 5. In an official statement, they cited perceived failures by the National Guard, SICT, and involved municipal and state governments in adequately addressing road safety. AMOTAC’s requests include requiring SICT registration for older model cargo and tourism vehicles, setting official operation rates for cargo transportation, reclassifying roads, issuing crane regulations and municipal permits, and addressing abuses and extortions.

AMOTAC's nationwide strike is expected to affect toll booths under federal jurisdiction at 8:00 AM in all 32 states. It is expected to primarily affect highways connecting the State of Mexico with Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, Hidalgo, Tlaxcala, Puebla, Veracruz, Morelos, and Guerrero.