Why are Mexican truck drivers losing their US visas all of a sudden?

The U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Customs and Border Protection merged their systems, enabling authorities to automatically identify drivers who had been flagged for potential cabotage violations during previous inspections. Over 3,200 drivers across the border region have had visas revoked as a result. Cabotage—transporting freight between two domestic U.S. points by a foreign carrier—is illegal, and the new enforcement framework is converting prior administrative warnings into visa cancellations.

What is cabotage and why does it matter for cross-border trucking?

Cabotage is the illegal transportation of freight between two domestic points inside the U.S. by a foreign carrier. U.S. law reserves such operations for domestic carriers. Mexican drivers with B-1/B-2 visas are authorized only to transport cargo from Mexico into the U.S. and return—not to move freight between U.S. cities. Violations can result in visa revocation, driver deportation, and future entry restrictions.

What supply chain impact should shippers expect from this visa crackdown?

The Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce warns of reduced cross-border driver availability, capacity constraints, and increased trucking costs. Shippers should anticipate delays in cross-border shipments and potentially higher freight rates. However, Mexican industry officials note that some displaced drivers are transitioning to Mexico's domestic freight market, where driver shortages also exist, potentially softening the long-term impact on some lanes.

Are drivers being notified before their visas are revoked?

No. According to Pedro Lozano Martínez, president of the Nuevo Laredo Freight Carriers Association, many drivers only discover their visa revocation when attempting to cross the border or by checking email notifications. This lack of advance warning has caused operational disruptions, with drivers stranded at border crossings unable to continue their routes.

What is the industry doing in response?

CANACAR (Mexico's National Chamber of Freight Transportation) has sought clarification from U.S. authorities and engaged with congressional offices, including that of U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar. Industry leaders are emphasizing the need for stricter compliance with international transportation regulations going forward and advocating for transparent enforcement policies.

Trade Policy & Tariffs

High Impact

3,200+ Mexican Truckers Lose US Visas Over Cabotage Enforcement

May 31, 2026

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The signal

More than 3,200 Mexican truck drivers have lost their authorization to operate in the United States in recent months following a significant enforcement escalation by federal authorities. S. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which merged their databases to identify drivers with previous cabotage warnings. S.

points—has become a focal point of regulatory scrutiny, and the new integrated system has transformed administrative findings into visa cancellations, often without drivers' immediate knowledge. The enforcement surge carries immediate operational consequences for cross-border supply chains. Industry leaders warn of reduced driver availability, capacity constraints, and upward pressure on transportation costs. -Mexico trucking services. While Mexican officials argue displaced drivers are finding employment in Mexico's domestic freight market, the net effect is a shrinkage in cross-border capacity precisely as global supply chains remain under pressure.

The timing coincides with bilateral USMCA review negotiations, adding a layer of trade policy complexity to what initially appears as a regulatory compliance issue. This development reflects a broader shift toward stricter enforcement of transportation and immigration regulations at the border. Supply chain professionals should anticipate tighter driver compliance requirements, increased border crossing scrutiny, and potentially higher freight costs. The incident underscores the risk of regulatory changes disrupting established cross-border logistics networks and highlights the importance of real-time compliance monitoring across transportation operations.

#cross-border-trucking

#supply-chain-capacity

#usmca-review

#transportation-compliance

#driver-shortage

#us-mexico-trade

Frequently Asked Questions

What This Means for Your Supply Chain

Simulation Suggestion

immediate

What if cross-border trucking capacity declines by 15-20% due to visa revocations?

Simulate the impact of a sustained 15-20% reduction in available Mexican truck driver capacity on key cross-border lanes (US-Mexico) over the next 2-3 months. Model effects on transit times, freight costs, and service level performance for time-sensitive commodities like pharmaceuticals and perishables. Identify alternative sourcing or routing strategies.

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Simulation Suggestion

this week

What if freight rates for cross-border shipments increase by 20-30%?

Model the cost impact of a 20-30% increase in cross-border trucking rates as driver availability tightens. Simulate effects on landed costs for inbound Mexican freight (automotive parts, electronics, produce, pharmaceuticals). Calculate impact on margins for time-sensitive vs. cost-sensitive shipments.

Run this scenario

Simulation Suggestion

this month

What if transit times for cross-border shipments extend by 3-5 days?

Simulate the impact of 3-5 day delays in cross-border transit times due to reduced driver availability and increased border congestion. Model effects on inventory levels, safety stock requirements, and on-time delivery performance for time-sensitive inbound supply chains. Identify which product categories are most at risk.

Run this scenario

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