A Call to Action as States Seek Assistance for Truck Parking Maintenance

Did you know that the United States is facing a severe truck parking crisis, with a shortage of nearly 50,000 truck parking spaces nationwide? As states grapple with the consequences of this growing issue, the maintenance of existing truck parking facilities has never been more critical. This article will explore the urgent call to action from various states seeking assistance and solutions to improve truck parking conditions. By examining the implications of the truck parking crisis, you will gain insight into why addressing this issue is essential for the sustainability of the freight industry and overall road safety.

Sharp Decline in Mexico’s Heavy-Duty Truck Market

In July, Mexico’s heavy-duty truck industry experienced a major downturn, with exports, production, and domestic sales all showing sharp year-over-year declines. Officials within the trucking sector have pointed to U.S. tariffs on key materials such as steel, aluminum, and copper as the primary cause. The uncertainty surrounding trade relations between Mexico and the U.S. has further compounded these challenges, dampening both output and demand. “The primary factors affecting us are steel, aluminum, and now copper,” stated Rogelio Arzate, president of Mexico’s National Association of Bus, Truck, and Tractor Producers (Anpact), during a news conference. “These tariffs create uncertainty, which is evident in our performance this year.”

According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), exports of Mexican-made trucks dropped by 51.6% year-over-year in July, totaling 7,867 units. Production similarly plummeted by 55.1%, reaching just 9,668 units. These figures mark one of the steepest declines the industry has seen in recent years.

U.S. Tariffs and Trade Tensions Hit Mexican Manufacturers Hard

The U.S. remains the largest market for Mexican truck exports, accounting for 94.9% of total shipments in July, followed by Canada at 3.5% and Colombia at 0.7%. However, with continued tariff pressures, even this strong dependency has become a vulnerability. On July 31, both nations agreed to a 90-day extension of an existing trade agreement, allowing more time for negotiations on a long-term solution. This extension maintains the 25% tariff rate for Mexico, preventing a higher 30% levy that was set to take effect under the Trump administration’s “reciprocal” trade policy.

Goods traded under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) remain exempt from these tariffs. However, uncertainty surrounding future terms of trade continues to create volatility, particularly for manufacturers who depend heavily on steel and aluminum imports.

Market Uncertainty Dampens Sales and Industry Outlook

Guillermo Rosales, deputy director general of the Mexican Association of Automobile Dealers, emphasized that ongoing trade tensions are having a chilling effect on truck demand. “We anticipate that throughout the remainder of 2025 and into 2026, the lack of clarity regarding the renegotiation terms of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will contribute to a challenging environment for heavy commercial vehicle sales,” Rosales remarked. This uncertainty has rippled through the broader freight and logistics ecosystem, worsening existing challenges such as the Truck Parking Crisis and compounding operational inefficiencies. With both production and sales declining, the Mexican trucking industry faces an uphill battle to stabilize and adapt amid fluctuating trade policies.

Anpact, which represents 16 key manufacturers in Mexico — including Freightliner, Kenworth, Navistar, Hino, Mercedes-Benz, and Isuzu — is urging government leaders to push for long-term trade stability and industry support to sustain competitiveness.

Major Truck Brands Report Steep Declines

In July, wholesale truck sales in Mexico fell by 60.1% year-over-year, totaling just 2,175 units compared to 5,452 the previous year. Freightliner retained its lead as the country’s top truck producer and exporter, manufacturing 5,977 units — a 39% drop from last year — and exporting 5,540 units, a 36.3% decrease. International Trucks Inc. followed in second place, producing 2,218 trucks in July, which represents a 74.7% year-over-year decline. The company’s exports also tumbled by 74.8%, reaching 1,739 units.

Kenworth, ranking third in production and exports, manufactured 953 trucks — a 52% decline from the same period in 2024. The company’s exports dropped by 10%, totaling 588 units. These declines reflect the widespread strain on the entire Mexican truck manufacturing industry, which is being squeezed by both supply-side and policy-driven pressures.

Conclusion: Navigating a Challenging Road Ahead

The decline in Mexico’s heavy-duty truck market underscores how global trade tensions and material costs are reshaping North American supply chains. As the U.S. and Mexico work toward renegotiating tariff agreements, manufacturers are being forced to adapt, diversify supply chains, and find new efficiencies to weather the downturn.

For the industry to recover, a combination of stable trade policies, government collaboration, and strategic investments in logistics infrastructure — including truck parking and freight networks — will be essential. The coming months will reveal whether Mexico’s trucking sector can navigate these challenges and regain momentum in an increasingly uncertain economic landscape.

Stay Informed and Stay Compliant Amid Industry Challenges

As the trucking and freight industry navigates through changing trade policies, shifting market demands, and supply chain pressures, staying informed is more important than ever. Labworks USA is here to help drivers and carriers stay ahead—not just in understanding market shifts, but also in maintaining compliance on the road.

If you’re a truck driver or fleet operator looking for guidance on DOT drug and alcohol testing, our friendly DOT Consortium team is ready to assist you. We’ll help ensure your full compliance with random DOT testing requirements and support your FMCSA Clearinghouse registration, so you can focus on driving safely and confidently—no matter how the industry evolves.

Stay connected with Labworks USA for more updates, insights, and compliance solutions that keep America’s freight moving forward.

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