Mexican freight corridors continue to face severe operational risks as organized criminal groups adapt their tactics, even as government officials report significant drops in overall cargo theft nationwide.
According to figures cited by National Guard Commander Guillermo Briseño Lobera, cargo thefts targeting trucking companies are projected to drop 37% in 2026 compared to 2025. Federal authorities attribute the progress to the government’s Balam highway security strategy, which operates across 12 states. Official reports highlight steep reductions on major routes, including an 85.7% decline along the Mexico-Querétaro corridor and a 90% drop on the Mexico-Puebla highway.
However, supply chain risk management firm Overhaul presents a starkly contrasting reality for logistics operators on the ground. In its Q2 2026 Cargo Theft Report, Overhaul revealed that 76% of cargo theft incidents in Mexico still involve violence, underscoring persistent threats to truck drivers and logistics providers.
The theft activity remains heavily concentrated, with 77% of incidents occurring in central and western Mexico. The State of Mexico, Puebla, and Guanajuato stand out as the top three hot spots, collectively accounting for nearly half of all national cargo thefts. Furthermore, while incidents slowed in some regions, theft activity surged in states such as Guanajuato, Veracruz, San Luis Potosí, Jalisco, Michoacán, and Tlaxcala.
Criminal networks continue to favor high-value and easily liquidable goods. Food and beverage shipments were the primary target during the second quarter, accounting for 30% of thefts, followed by miscellaneous freight, auto parts, construction materials, and fuel. Overhaul noted a distinct spike in agricultural cargo thefts, particularly involving stolen fertilizers and pesticides.
The report highlights that 85% of thefts take place on weekdays, peaking between 6 p.m. and midnight. As law enforcement targets cartel cells involved in driver kidnappings and corrupt networks, shippers and carriers continue to navigate high-risk security environments across critical trade corridors.
With information from Freightwaves
