Cargo Theft in Mexico Drops Slightly but Remains a Major Concern

Cargo theft remains one of the biggest pain points for Mexico’s logistics industry. While official figures indicate a 6.13% decrease in cargo theft across key states — including State of Mexico, Michoacan, Nuevo Leon, Puebla, and San Luis Potosi — the issue continues to pose significant challenges for truck drivers, insurance companies, and law enforcement agencies.

A Decline in Cargo Theft?

The government of Puebla has credited a significant reduction in cargo theft to coordinated efforts between the Mexican Army (SEDENA), the Mexican Navy (SEMAR), the National Guard, and the State’s Ministry of Public Security. 

Additionally, the implementation of Senderos Seguros — secure pathways featuring safe parking areas for truck drivers — has reportedly reduced highway robberies in Puebla. Statistics show that in January, 68 out of 1,250 stolen vehicles were recovered, increasing to 88 recoveries in February out of 1,129 stolen vehicles. In March, 64 out of 235 stolen transport units had been located to date.

“Unfortunately, cargo theft remains a serious issue across Mexico’s highways, regardless of time or location. While we take as many precautions as possible, the problem has reached a point where additional measures from the authorities are desperately needed. This situation not only impacts our operations but also affects the well-being of our drivers, who are constantly under threat, making it difficult for them to work without fear,” says Pablo Ocampo, Co-Founder and CEO, Grupo Mexamerik, to MBN.

Rising Insurance Costs Burden Transporters

These rates continue to push insurance costs to unprecedented levels. José Gilibert, Regional Delegate, National Chamber of Freight Transport (CANACAR) in Cordoba-Orizaba, tells Plumas Libres that insurance premiums for freight transport have surged by over 50% in the past three years, in some cases doubling. The average insurance cost per unit stands at about MX$200,000 (US$9,931) per year, with premiums varying based on the type of cargo transported.

Peña attributes these price hikes not only to cargo theft but also to rising labor costs, including the recent increase in Mexico’s minimum wage. There was also an unprecedented agreement between the National Chamber of Freight Transport (CANACAR) and the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) to increase truck driver salaries by 108%, as MBN reported. This financial burden adds pressure to truck drivers, many of whom already operate under tight margins.

Measures to Enhance Security

In response to ongoing security concerns, the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport (SICT) has introduced a joint strategy to bolster safety on federal highways and bridges, where permit holders must now register and identify vehicles operating on federal roads. The regulation, managed by the General Directorate of Federal Motor Transport (DGAF), mandates the placement of markings on transport units to promote safer, more organized circulation and reduce risks for both transporters and highway users.

Despite security advances, Mexico remains one of the top countries in Latin America for cargo theft. The Skoll LATAM 2024 Risks Report indicates that Mexico accounts for 13.82% of all reported cargo theft incidents in the region, ranking second behind Brazil’s 59.64% (3,639 cases). 

The Mexican Association of Insurance Institutions (AMIS) reports a 2.2% increase in the number of insured stolen heavy-duty vehicles, rising from 9,351 (2023-2024) to 9,558 between February 2024 and January 2025. Theft of tractor-trailers has declined by 5.1%, according to AMIS. The most affected states for heavy equipment theft include State of Mexico, Puebla, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, and Jalisco, with high-risk municipalities being Puebla, San Luis Potosi, Queretaro, Cuautitlan Izcalli, and Ecatepec de Morelos.