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What Executives Need to Know About Cargo Risk in Mexico in 2025

March 12, 2025

Cargo theft remains a major challenge for logistics professionals operating in Mexico. Our analysis of federal government data highlights key trends, risk areas, and the evolving response from U.S. shippers. As nearshoring continues to grow, executives managing cross-border trade need to stay informed on the latest hijacking patterns and insurance requirements.

Key Findings from the 2024 Data

  • 6,691 hijackings were reported across Mexico in 2024.
  • 80% of hijackings occurred in Mexico State and Puebla, concentrated in the industrial zone surrounding Mexico City.
  • Only 1.3% of hijackings took place in Mexico’s northern border states.
  • Nuevo Leon saw a 25% increase in reported hijackings, making it the border state with the highest recorded incidents.
  • Oaxaca (94% increase) and Morelos (9% increase) are emerging risk areas.
  • Other hotspots include Jalisco, Queretaro, Guanajuato, and Veracruz.

U.S. Shippers Are Increasing Insurance Requirements

In response to rising cargo risks, U.S. enterprise shippers are shifting their insurance standards:

  • Most U.S. shippers require motor carriers to hold $100,000 in cargo insurance and freight brokers to maintain $100,000 in contingent cargo coverage.
  • New trend: Some shippers are increasing minimum requirements to $150,000 or more due to higher cargo values.
  • Historically, only 2-5% of U.S. cross-border shippers required insurance coverage in Mexico. Today, that number has surged to 40%.
  • U.S. shippers are moving away from self-insuring (which often means covering a $100,000 deductible) and instead requiring All Risk Cargo Insurance in Mexico.

Why This Matters for Logistics Executives

With nearshoring increasing U.S.-Mexico trade activity, cargo security is a top concern. Companies moving freight in Mexico need to be proactive:

  1. Identify high-risk zones using data from the Mexico Cargo Hijacking Data Portal.
  2. Strengthen risk management strategies in hotspot areas like Mexico State, Puebla, and Nuevo Leon.
  3. Ensure compliance with the evolving insurance requirements of U.S. shippers to remain competitive in cross-border trade.

 

Reliance Partners’ Borderless Coverage platform provides actionable insights and insurance solutions for logistics professionals navigating Mexico’s cargo security landscape. Stay ahead of risk, because protecting your cargo means protecting your business.