Blockades reported in Oaxaca, central Mexico and Veracruz as truckers protest insecurity, steep fees

Truckers from around the country are protesting and blocking roadways to demand greater security, primarily disrupting traffic at points of entry to the Mexico City Metropolitan Area and in the states of Veracruz and Oaxaca.

Most protests are partial blockades, although a total blockade has been reported along national highway 135D between Tehuacán and Oaxaca.

Over the weekend, national trucking associations said the indefinite national strike could involve as many as 1 million trucks, while warning the public of potential disruptions to the supply of goods and fuel. 

Industry representatives have sought to explain the reasons for their strike action, telling the media they “are not seeking to harm families, but rather want answers to their legitimate demands.”

Truckers face what they describe as a “double imposition” — paying steep taxes and high private toll fees, only to receive low-quality, dangerous highway infrastructure in return.

The truckers also object to proposed changes to the toll tax incentive, urging President Claudia Sheinbaum to review the proposal in the 2027 federal budget. 

The budget submitted by the Finance Ministry last month would slash fiscal incentives for the freight transportation sector by lowering the annual corporate revenue limit required to qualify for the highway toll tax credit from 300 million pesos down to 250 million pesos.

The lower threshold would impact mid-to-large freight and transport companies making between 250 million and 300 million pesos annually by locking them out of the incentive program.

The National Chamber of Freight Transportation, the largest trucking association in Mexico, claims that the sector is already suffering due to soaring diesel costs and high toll fees. They warn that removing the toll tax safety net will dramatically increase operational costs for dozens of companies, potentially forcing some into bankruptcy.

They also argue it is unfair for the government to strip away tax credits while treating organized crime’s grip on transport routes as “an acceptable condition of doing business.”

Through September, the sector has recorded 1,105 cargo truck robberies and 15 driver fatalities this year. 

Truckers previously blockaded highways in April to highlight the need for stronger road security, teaming up with farmers demanding fairer conditions for agricultural producers. They also staged similar actions in November 2025, again teaming up with farmers citing rural sector grievances. 

With reports from La Silla Rota, El Financiero, Eje Central and The Latin Times

1 COMMENT

Have something to say? Paid Subscribers get all access to make & read comments.
A collection of bones discovered in Mexico City.

MND Local CDMX: Pilgrimage preparations, ancient remains and delivery protests

0
As the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City's Gustavo A. Madero borough braces for millions of visitors on the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, archaeologists are investigating an exciting new ancient discovery, writes Drew Pittock.

How safe is Mexico? MND hits the streets to get foreign residents’ take

6
Do you feel safe in Mexico? That's the question MND is putting to foreign residents in the newest episode our YouTube series, "MND Hits the Streets."
US President Donald Trump

Trump threatens to double tariffs on Mexico as a new migrant caravan heads north in Chiapas

14
Sheinbaum pushed back on the threat, saying no caravan has reached the U.S. border during Trump's second term.
BETA Version - Powered by Perplexity