Mexican truckers and farmers are planning a nationwide protest on November 24, threatening meaningful disruptions to the country’s supply chains and escalating tensions over safety and economic concerns. The planned “mega-blockade,” organized by the national Association of Freight Transporters (ANTAC) and supported by the National Front for the Rescue of the Mexican Countryside, comes after months of stalled negotiations with the federal government regarding insecurity, extortion, and unfair practices. Organizers are prepared to halt operations and block key roadways across multiple states, demanding immediate action from authorities to address their grievances.
Mexican truckers are planning a nationwide work stoppage on November 24 to protest escalating insecurity, extortion, and attacks on roadways, potentially disrupting supply chains across the country. The planned action underscores growing frustration within the transportation sector over safety concerns and alleged corruption.
The National Association of Freight Transporters (ANTAC) announced the “mega-blockade” after months of unsuccessful negotiations with federal authorities. Jeannet Chumacero, ANTAC’s Vice President of Communications and Liaison, stated that further details regarding specific locations and timing will be released on Sunday.
According to Chumacero, the nationwide protest will involve truckers halting operations, refusing to load goods, and strategically blocking key roadways with support from farmers’ organizations.
Which states will be affected by the blockade?
While ANTAC is withholding a complete logistical plan for security reasons until Sunday, Chumacero confirmed that blockades are planned in Chihuahua, Michoacán, Jalisco, Chiapas, and potentially in Mexico City, the State of Mexico, Querétaro, Sonora, Zacatecas, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and Puebla.
Truckers have been instructed not to operate on November 24, as organizers anticipate the simultaneous closure of highways and access routes to cities, with exceptions made only for ambulances and emergency vehicles.
The National Front for the Rescue of the Mexican Countryside will also participate in the protest, adding another layer of pressure on the government.
Farmers participating in the blockade are demanding fair prices and increased support for agricultural production, particularly for crops like beans and corn, with participation expected from states including Guanajuato, Chihuahua, and Jalisco.
What are the truckers demanding from the government?
The primary driver of the protest is the ongoing issue of insecurity on Mexican highways, a significant concern for the transportation sector. “Many citizens are also victims of highway robberies… this is to get the government’s attention,” Chumacero said.
Truckers are also alleging systematic extortion by law enforcement officials. “Unfortunately, corruption and extortion exist by some members of the National Guard, state public security, and even municipal police,” Chumacero added.
The association also cites difficulties in obtaining basic permits, licenses, and medical appointments, which they claim are exploited by authorities to pressure transport operators.
What is the government’s response to the planned blockade?
Federal officials have appealed to the truckers to reconsider the blockade and continue negotiations, arguing that such actions also harm third parties.
In a statement, the Secretariat of Governance (Segob) and the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader) indicated they have held “various working meetings” with representatives from the agricultural sector and freight organizations, and remain open to addressing their concerns regarding highway security, permitting processes, and production prices.
The government emphasized that dialogue is the appropriate method for resolving conflicts and warned that highway blockades pose risks to the public and disrupt both traffic flow and economic activity. Officials stated they are maintaining ongoing discussions with national trucking groups and state authorities to address the issues raised.
According to the statement, the administration maintains permanent meetings with national transport groups and state authorities to address their agenda.
