The Alianza Mexicana de Organización de Transportistas AC (AMOTAC) has declared a nationwide road blockade across all 32 states in Mexico, set to coincide with the World Cup match between Mexico and the Czech Republic at Estadio Azteca on Wednesday. The transport group is urging the government to take decisive action against highway insecurity, which includes violent cargo thefts and alleged extortion by authorities. Additionally, they are pushing for reduced operating costs, specifically targeting towing fees, municipal access permits, licensing charges, vehicle registration fees, and certification costs.
In response to these demands, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that the government is devising new strategies to enhance highway security. She outlined plans for implementing a specialized road-monitoring system akin to a public security command center, which aims to bolster surveillance and response capabilities on major highways. Despite these assurances, AMOTAC is proceeding with its protest plans and has warned that truck convoys may head towards Mexico City’s central square if their concerns are not addressed. The organization emphasized that the unresolved issues have compelled transport workers to take action to highlight the sector’s challenges.
The planned protests are anticipated to disrupt several key routes linking Mexico City to nearby regions, such as highways leading to Pachuca, Chalco, Querétaro, Puebla, and Cuernavaca. The demonstrations are expected to cause significant traffic disruptions, especially as thousands of fans travel to attend the football match. The transporters have organized similar protests in the past, notably in December, when they collaborated with farmers in nationwide road blockades that resulted in discussions with government officials. AMOTAC insists that their demands are centered on security and working conditions rather than political issues.
Cargo theft continues to pose a significant challenge for Mexico’s transport sector. Official statistics reveal that approximately 8,000 cargo robberies occur annually, equating to more than 20 incidents per day. Violence is prevalent, with many reported cases involving attacks on drivers. During the first ten months of 2025, over 5,200 transport thefts were recorded. AMOTAC argues that urgent and stronger security measures are necessary to protect drivers and ensure safer transport operations across the nation.