Fifth Presidential Address: Trucking Sector Achievements

To fight the growing problem of highway insecurity, the Mexican government will introduce a series of measures in coordination with local authorities and private parties, said President Andrés Manuel López Obrador during his Fifth Presidential Address. López Obrador also presented the achievements of his administration in combating robberies and assaults on highways. The report underscores the strides made to secure the country's roadways and highlights the collaborative efforts between various agencies and the private sector.

One of the key initiatives highlighted in the Fifth Presidential Address is the establishment of the Immediate Alert Line Against Robberies (LAICA). This strategy allegedly has helped detain 64 persons for highway robberies. Alongside LAICA, the Safe Highway Program has been key in fostering collaboration between the National Guard, local law enforcement agencies and the private sector. The program aims to prevent and respond to highway robberies and thefts across Mexico.

The statistics presented in the Presidential Address read that between Sep. 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023, authorities seized 1,127 stolen vehicles, of which 436 were involved in criminal activities and 577 were seized for administrative violations. Two individuals were arrested for firearms trafficking, while 42 were apprehended for possession.

Similarly, several initiatives were undertaken from September 2022 to June 2023 to bolster the country's road security. These actions included conducting 3,749 inspections of companies authorized to provide trucking services, marking a 4.4% increase compared to the previous year, and carrying out 134,648 weight and dimension verifications at various points on the federal road network, representing a 17.2% surge over the previous year.

To improve transparency in towing, salvage and vehicle storage services, the government introduced the Regulation of Auxiliary Services to Federal Trucking for Towing, Salvage and Vehicle Storage. This regulation, published on May 3, 2023, aims to establish best practices in these services, benefiting consumers and service providers.

Moreover, the government also took steps to modernize the vehicle fleet in the federal cargo and passenger transport sector. Collaborating with Nacional Financiera, the government modified the "Pari-Passu" scheme to provide financial guarantees to small transport companies and man-trucks that may not qualify for traditional bank loans. From September 2022 to June 2023, 141 loans amounting to MX$324.1 million (US$18.9 million) were granted under this scheme, providing essential financial support to small transport businesses.

The Presidential Address also mentions that in April 2023, the government introduced the Roadmap for Technological Advancements in Land Transport in Mexico, Vision 2021-2050, which aims to promote technological transition, operational and energy efficiency, innovation and modernization in land transport throughout Mexico.