Borderlands Mexico: Criminal groups keep pressure on Mexican freight networks

Mexican authorities reported a 37% projected decline in cargo thefts involving trucking companies by 2026, according to Guillermo Briseño Lobera, commander of Mexico’s National Guard. Cargo thefts involving trucking companies dropped to 2,519 so far in 2026, a 52.07% decrease between 2018 and 2025. The federal government's Balam highway security strategy, operating in 12 states, contributed to the decline, reducing cargo theft incidents by 37.19% between 2024 and 2025 while increasing recoveries of stolen cargo vehicles.

However, cargo theft remains a significant challenge, with 76% of incidents involving violence. Central and western Mexico, particularly the State of Mexico, Puebla, and Guanajuato, continue to be the most affected regions. Overhaul's Q2 2026 Cargo Theft Report highlighted that food and beverage shipments were the most frequently targeted cargo category, accounting for 30% of thefts, followed by miscellaneous freight, auto parts, construction and industrial products, and fuel.

Most thefts occur during business days and evening hours, with criminal activity peaking between 6 p.m. and midnight. Recent enforcement actions targeted a criminal cell linked to cargo theft, express kidnappings of truck drivers, and corruption of local officials along freight routes in Veracruz and Puebla.