Nuevo Leon Relaunches Logistics Cluster Amid US Visa Rules

The Ministry of Economy of Nuevo Leon has relaunched the state’s Logistics Cluster, underscoring the critical role the sector plays in the regional and national economy. According to the new organization, logistics contributes between 10% and 11% of the state’s GDP, generates US$60 billion in annual exports, equivalent to 10% of Mexico’s total exports, and employs more than 80,000 people.

The cluster integrates multiple industries, including land, maritime and intermodal transportation, as well as OMA in the air segment. 

“We are aware of traffic issues, and in education we will set up a committee to strengthen partnerships with universities so that graduates acquire the skills required in a changing world,” said Roberto Pérez-Levi, President, Cluster’s Board of Directors.

He also highlighted the transformative impact of AI and automation, alongside challenges in infrastructure and water supply that will be addressed through specialized committees.

During the relaunch event, Pérez-Levi raised concerns over the growing shortage of bilingual truck drivers, a situation worsened by US visa restrictions and English fluency requirements. “I do not know a company that does not have a percentage of trucks without truck drivers because of English requirements,” he said.

His own company, Forza Transportation, which operates 1,250 units, at one point had 30% of them idle due to a lack of English-speaking drivers. While the figure has since fallen to 10% thanks to the hiring of US drivers, this has driven up labor costs by 25%. “We had around 150 Americans, now we have 400,” Pérez-Levi added.

Rómulo Mejía, Representative, CANACAR in Monterrey, echoed these concerns, noting that even transfer drivers at the border have had visas revoked due to limited English proficiency. While cases remain relatively few, industry leaders fear broader enforcement. “Our national president will hold meetings with consular officials to clarify the rules, because our truck drivers do not speak 100% English… This could halt the country’s economy,” Mejía warned.

US Crackdown on Foreign Drivers

The situation has escalated amid stricter US measures. In March, President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring English the national language, followed by an April directive requiring truck drivers to demonstrate English fluency to operate on US roads. The policy was reinforced after a fatal crash in Florida involving an immigrant driver.

On Aug. 21, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a pause on the issuance of worker visas for commercial truck drivers, citing safety concerns and the need to protect American jobs. “Proficiency in English should be a non-negotiable safety requirement. This is common sense,” Trump said.

In early September, the “Association of Freight Carriers (ATC) held meetings with US Consul General Erika Zielke in Nuevo Laredo to address visa renewal challenges for drivers, particularly the requirement of English-language interviews. ATC President Pedro Lozano stressed the sector’s commitment to professionalism and regulatory compliance while urging both governments to support stable cross-border operations.

Follow-up meetings on Sep. 9 involved both US and Mexican consular officials, who received appeals to ease the immediate burden on truck drivers. 

Back in June, CANACAR delegates in Baja California confirmed that drivers are already receiving warnings from US authorities for inadequate English proficiency. “If not addressed, truck drivers could be put out of service, goods would be held up, and companies could face fines,” said Alfonso Millán, Delegate, CANACAR, Tijuana.

Structural Challenges

The logistics sector in Mexico faces a structural driver shortage, with an estimated deficit of 56,000 truck drivers domestically and 200,000 in the United States. About 30% of Mexican cross-border drivers are proficient in English, while the rest face growing barriers. Both the Nuevo Leon Logistics Cluster and CANACAR are working with driver schools to introduce English classes, though results will take time.