The recent federal decree banning the import of tractor-trailers more than ten years old has been welcomed by members of Mexico’s trucking industry, who believe the measure will promote fleet renewal and environmental improvement.
According to Manuel Sotelo, president of the Ciudad Juárez Transporters Association, the average age of trucks operating in Mexico is around 20 years. He noted that the new rule offers a strong incentive for carriers to modernize their fleets with more efficient and cleaner vehicles.
“Many transporters operate with trucks that are over twenty years old. This new limit is a real opportunity to upgrade,” he said.
Until now, older truck models could still be imported, keeping outdated and more polluting vehicles in circulation—especially in border areas such as Chihuahua. Under the new rule, only 2015 models or newer can enter the country, which already meet environmental standards required by the Ministry of Environment (Semarnat).
Sotelo added that the measure will especially benefit small and medium-sized carriers, providing more accessible options to acquire newer units without the high cost of brand-new equipment.
He also mentioned that the initiative was presented to the sector in a meeting with Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard and that it addresses a long-standing request from transporters.
“This measure helps stop the entry of old trucks and gives us a pathway to a more modern, efficient, and competitive industry,” he said.
Sotelo concluded that while not all old trucks can be replaced immediately, the regulation represents a step forward for safer and cleaner transport in Mexico.
Source: El Diario MX
