Cross-Border Trucking Capacity Has Tightened
Supply chain shifts and increased cargo theft have challenged freight logistics between the U.S. and Mexico.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Transportation
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Trucking capacity for U.S.-Mexico freight has tightened as driver supply drops and transit risks rise. These pressures are making the movement of goods across the border both more difficult and more expensive.
Why it matters
Nearshoring trends have concentrated high volumes of goods on limited infrastructure, while rising fuel costs and delayed payments restrict capital for smaller carriers. These factors, combined with increased cargo theft, create significant operational hurdles for logistics providers.
Cargo theft in the Bajío region has risen 11% year-over-year, with 80% of these incidents involving violence or threats. Meanwhile, many smaller trucking companies face capital restrictions due to payment waiting periods lasting 30 to 45 days.
The players
Trimble
Trimble is a technology company that provides software and hardware solutions to improve productivity and safety in the transportation and construction industries.
The details
Criminal groups are increasingly utilizing GPS jammers to circumvent tracking systems, frequently targeting shipments of food and beverages. Furthermore, customs authorities are tightening enforcement regarding visa compliance and product origin documentation, further complicating transit.
Timeline
The capacity crunch peaked during the fall 2026 shipping season.
Industry trends were discussed at the Trimble Insight 2026 conference in San Diego on September 30, 2026.
Market Landscape
This capacity crunch reflects a broader industry challenge where logistics demand outpaces regional infrastructure growth. As companies rely more on nearshoring, they must navigate a increasingly hostile environment for transport that threatens global supply chain stability.
Consumers can expect potential price increases for goods, particularly food and beverages, as logistics providers pass on the costs of security and delays. Businesses relying on cross-border shipping will likely face longer lead times and higher shipping rates.
The takeaway
Reliable supply chains currently require a heavy investment in both digital tracking technology and secure, vetted driver networks to mitigate regional risks. Organizations should diversify their logistics providers to avoid reliance on single, vulnerable transit lanes.
Further reading
For more on industry shifts, visit our Transportation section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FreightWaves.
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