IRU - International Road Transport Union

10/01/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/01/2024 10:10

Mexico’s trucking industry celebrates achievements with eye on future

IRU member CANACAR's national convention saw nearly 1,000 people come together in Cancun, Mexico. A highlight was the IRU North American Transportation Forum event on nearshoring trends in the region and the upcoming revision of the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.

The 2024 National Convention of IRU member Camara Nacional del Autotransporte de Carga (CANACAR) kicked off with a call for continued unity and cooperation, as the organisation marked its 35th anniversary.

CANACAR celebrated the remarkable contributions of individuals and companies within the industry, recognising their dedication as the sector underwent extraordinary growth and transformation over recent years.

The trucking sector accounts for 3.5% of Mexico's GDP. Truck operators transport 83% of domestic tonnage.

Miguel Ángel Martínez Millán, President of CANACAR, encouraged transport companies to continue expanding the industry, with a particular focus on the legacy they will leave behind for future generations.

In recognition of the excellence in Mexico's trucking industry, IRU Vice-President Aslı Çalık presented the IRU Top Road Transport Manager Award to this year's winners.

CANACAR also presented IRU with a special award in recognition of its long-standing support and contribution to Mexico's growing road goods transport sector.

North American Transportation Forum

With the practice of nearshoring gaining traction and the revision of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) trade agreement being around the corner, IRU organised a high-level North American Transportation Forum roundtable on the impact of the American political and regulatory landscape going forward at the Convention.

The panellists - Bob Costello (Senior Vice-President, American Trucking Associations), Doug Romanuk (Senior Vice-President of Sales & Emerging Markets, Bison Transport) and Manuel Sotelo (Vice-President, CANACAR) - explored questions such as, how is nearshoring impacting trucking? What are the challenges and mitigation strategies? And how are trade agreements encouraging nearshoring?