Mexico CANACAR freight transport convention and strike

The CANACAR National Convention 2026 in Cancún brought together approximately 1,500 business leaders to address the future of Mexico’s freight cargo transport sector.

Initial discussions focused on technological and administrative modernization. Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa announced a new digital platform to transition cargo permit processing to a 100% online system, aiming to reduce turnaround times from 43 days to five days while reducing costs and corruption.

As the convention progressed, industry leaders highlighted systemic challenges, specifically deteriorating road infrastructure and insecurity. CANACAR President Augusto Ramos noted that only 9% of free roads and 32% of toll highways are in optimal condition, setting a goal to improve over half of the country’s roads by 2030. To address safety and labor concerns, the sector introduced the National Safe Fleet Program to prevent accidents through diagnostic analysis. Additionally, participants discussed the need for secure rest areas for drivers in response to upcoming labor law changes regarding reduced working hours.

Following the convention, tensions escalated as the CANACAR state delegation in Campeche announced its participation in an indefinite national strike. The group cited a lack of government response to insecurity, extortion, and economic pressures. Demands include addressing overregulation, improving security in transit corridors to prevent cargo theft and kidnapping, and reforming laws regarding tow trucks and impound lots. The union also seeks fiscal incentives, federal funding for road rehabilitation, and the harmonization of electronic driving logs, warning that the strike could disrupt the distribution of essential goods, including fuel.