Mexico: 153 Tractor-Trailer Thefts Recorded in April

Tractor-trailer thefts in Mexico keep climbing. Let’s break down the latest stats and what it means for trade.

• Theft Stats: In April, Mexican roads saw 153 tractor-trailer thefts, averaging about five thefts per day.
• Annual Trend: That's a 7.7% jump from April last year, pushing the total from January to April to 546 cases—yep, that's up by 5% year over year.

Where's the Heat?

• Hotspots: The state of Mexico leads the pack with 138 thefts, followed closely by Puebla with 131.
• Timing: Most thefts happen between 7 AM and noon.

What’s at Stake?

• Violence Involved: Over 70% of these incidents involve violence, making these thefts not just a financial but a safety hazard.
• High-Value Targets: Thieves mostly go after Kenworths and Freightliners, targeting dry van trailers packed with goods ranging from food and beverages to electronics and auto parts.

Broader Impacts:
Norma Alicia Rosas from the Mexican Association of Insurance Institutions (AMIS) points out, "The theft of heavy equipment is closely linked to the theft of goods in transit, impacting not only transporters but also the supply chains of countless companies and the broader economy."

Looking Ahead:
As U.S.-Mexico trade passes the $200 billion mark, the implications of these thefts are massive. They could potentially tighten security measures and affect trade dynamics. We can expect increased efforts to secure goods and perhaps more stringent tracking and insurance measures to mitigate these risks.

Sources: FreightWaves