Mexico Unveils Transport Plan to Boost Logistics, Airports

Mexico is unveiling a transport and infrastructure plan that aims to boost logistics, road safety, and airport expansion. Tania Carro, Deputy Minister of Communications, and Transportation, presented the National Infrastructure and Transport Plan during the IV National Transportation Infrastructure Forum, organized by the Mexican Association of Civil Engineers (CICM). Her remarks highlighted major developments in the road freight and airport sectors, both seen as critical components for national economic growth and competitiveness.

Freight Trucking: A Pillar of Mexico’s Economy

Freight trucking plays a fundamental role in Mexico’s economy, according to Carro. The sector transports 58% of domestic cargo (572 million t), contributes 5.9% of the national GDP, and provides 2.3 million direct jobs. The national vehicle registry lists 1.91 million vehicles, of which 1.44 million are used for cargo transportation. Despite its scale, the sector is highly fragmented, as microenterprises represent 80.8% of permit holders but manage only 21.5% of the vehicle fleet.

To strengthen the sector, the government is implementing a comprehensive plan around five strategic pillars:

1. Road Safety. Under this pillar, authorities will focus on enhancing coordination with the National Guard (GN), Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), and the National Public Security System (SESNSP). They will also monitor weight and dimension compliance and review NOM-012-SCT-2-2017 to enhance road safety standards.

2. Procedures and Services. Authorities will streamline and digitize administrative procedures, while encouraging self-regulation practices among operators.

3. Regulation. Authorities will organize and clean up tow truck services, while addressing irregular freight operations in regions such as Oaxaca and Puebla-Tlaxcala.

4. Competitiveness. Authorities will introduce a pilot program with CIIASA for operator accreditation and training and facilitate access to training through insurance-backed financing.

5. Modal Integration. Authorities will build complementary infrastructure projects, deploy dynamic toll systems and tele-tolling, and establish a national network of fully equipped rest stops for drivers.

English Language Training for Cross-Border Freight Drivers

In response to a US regulation requiring all freight drivers operating in the US to be proficient in English, SICT plans to include English language instruction in operator training programs for the first time, as previously reported by MBN.

“This will be a new component of our training strategy,” says Carro. The full scope of the rollout is still being defined. The initiative aims to enhance safety and compliance for Mexican carriers involved in cross-border transport.

Enhanced Security and Training Measures

Authorities will also launch a pilot program for comprehensive driver training, which will be publicly announced in the coming weeks, says Carro. The program is designed to ensure that training is financially accessible, supported through insurance mechanisms, and aligned with industry needs. Industry chambers are reportedly playing an active role in promoting and supporting these efforts.

She also highlights progress on the vehicle marking program, which has so far marked 65,000 cargo vehicles for identification to strengthen security and deter cargo theft. The program was developed in coordination with industry chambers to support safer highways.

Major Investment in Airport Rehabilitation and Expansion

In addition to land transport, the SICT will allocate MX$126.6 billion (US$$6.61 billion) in public and private investment during the current administration to rehabilitate and expand 62 airports across the country, says Carro. Of that total, MX$33.7 billion (US$1.76 billion) will be invested in 2025 alone. Mexico’s aviation infrastructure includes 80 airports, 1,529 airfields, and 584 heliports, supporting over 1 million direct jobs in the sector.