Mexico trucking industry faces operator shortage and retention crisis

Mexico’s freight trucking sector is confronting a critical shortage of drivers, with the Cámara Nacional del Autotransporte de Carga (CANACAR) reporting a current deficit of about 56,000 operators that could exceed 106,000 by 2028 if trends continue. High turnover drives up recruitment, training and productivity costs, with replacements estimated at roughly 40% of an employee’s annual salary, and Gallup data showing 42% of workers believe their employers could have prevented their departure.

In response, Grupo Innovazione partnered with Tecmilenio to host the Master Class “Retención de Operadores: Liderazgo que transforma,” aimed at transport company leaders and HR managers. Director Yair Valero emphasized shifting the focus from merely hiring drivers to building workplaces where operators choose to stay, highlighting the essential role drivers play in keeping the national economy moving.