Industry Insight
Freight Operations Disrupted in Western Mexico Following Security Incident
Our top priority remains the safety of our staff, partners, and your cargo. We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves. If you have pressing shipments or questions about routing through western Mexico, please reach out to…
- Newsroom
- Article
- Feb 22, 2026
- By Crane Worldwide Logistics
- “Código Rojo” (Red Alert) Deactivated:Jalisco’s governor announced the statewide alert has been lifted following calmer conditions and no new blockades. Authorities report no active roadblocks and have resumed the removal of burned vehicles; removal operations are expected to finish within ~36 hours.
- Continued Security Presence:The State Security Committee remains in permanent session, with 2,500 additional federal troops and 150 Navy personnel deployed to maintain order. Authorities stress that patrols and checkpoints on highways will stay active 24/7.
- Highway Clearance and Residual Closures:Approximately 83 % of road blockages have been cleared, with only seven closures remaining due to burned vehicles along corridors such as the Guadalajara–Zapotlanejo and Zapotlanejo–Lagos de Moreno toll roads. While traffic is generally moving, occasional slowdowns may occur as debris removal continues.
- Public Transport Resumption:Urban and intercity public transport in the Guadalajara metropolitan area is operating at 70–100 % capacity. Rideshare and food-delivery platforms have resumed service.
- Industrial and Commercial Activity: Industrial associations, banks, convenience stores, and logistics centers across Jalisco have restarted operations, signalling a broad return to work. Fuel supplies and municipal services (waste collection, markets) are functioning as normal.
- Airports Operating at ~95–96 %:The Pacific Airport Group reports that both Guadalajara (GDL) and Puerto Vallarta (PVR) airports are open with 95–96 % of flights operating. GDL still has 11 cancellations and 11 scheduled delays, while PVR has four cancellations. These remaining disruptions are part of the gradual return to full schedules.
- Security Measures and Access:National Guard units continue to secure terminals, access roads, and parking areas to ensure safety. All airlines are operating normally except one Canadian carrier, which is still restoring service.
- Cargo Considerations:Some cargo carriers previously cancelled flights but are expected to resume as conditions stabilise. Ground transportation to and from GDL may still be slower due to ongoing road checks and driver caution.
- Normal Operations with Delays:The port remains open and continues to operate at normal security level (ISPS Level I), with additional surveillance and controlled access points. While vessels are being serviced, drivers and drayage carriers may face delays due to backlogs and ongoing security checks. Customs and warehouses are gradually resuming operations.
- Expect Gradual Normalization:Most infrastructure is now operational, but delays are still probable. Road residual closures and airport backlogs may lengthen transit times over the next few days.
- Coordinate Route Verification:Before dispatching shipments, confirm road and highway conditions through official sources and your Crane contact, particularly for routes previously affected by blockades.
- Communicate with Carriers:Engage with your trucking, warehousing, and airline partners to understand their capacity and readiness to serve the Guadalajara and Manzanillo regions.
- Plan for Contingencies:Maintain alternate routing options and allocate extra buffer time for deliveries and pickups.
- Stay Informed and Flexible:Conditions continue to improve, but authorities are maintaining heightened security until debris removal is complete and all roads are verified safe. Monitor updates from Jalisco’s government and your local Crane operations team for timely guidance.
Our top priority remains the safety of our staff, partners, and your cargo. We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves. If you have pressing shipments or questions about routing through western Mexico, please reach out to your Crane Worldwide representative for personalized guidance.
Coordinated Violence in Jalisco/Colima (Mexico) - Impact on Freight Operations
On February 22, 2026, a major federal security operation in Jalisco, Mexico (near Tapalpa) resulted in the death of cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, the notorious head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). In the immediate aftermath, widespread violent reprisals erupted across parts of western Mexico. Armed groups carried out coordinated attacks, including roadblocks (narcobloqueos), vehicle burnings, and armed assaults in at least 14 states. The violence was concentrated in Jalisco – notably in the Guadalajara metropolitan area and Puerto Vallarta – and also affected neighboring Colima (Manzanillo) and other states (Michoacán, Guanajuato, Tamaulipas, Aguascalientes, and more). These incidents have serious implications for freight and logistics operations in the region.
Importantly, local authorities activated a “Code Red” in Jalisco, effectively a high-alert status, urging residents to shelter in place. As a result, public transportation was temporarily suspended in several areas. There are reports of casualties amid the clashes (including cartel members and possibly security personnel), and we extend our condolences to those affected. Our priority remains the safety of individuals and the security of our clients’ supply chains. The following is a summary of the key disruptions to logistics infrastructure and our recommendations for mitigating the impact on your freight operations.
Key Logistics Disruptions by Location and Mode
The table below summarizes the primary disruptions as of Feb 22–23, 2026, by location and transport mode (road, air, sea):
Manzanillo Port operations were suspended temporarily on Feb 22 as a safety measure. The port authority (ASIPONA) announced a halt to vessel movements and closed port gates until further notice. - By later Feb 22, the Mexican Navy clarified that the port had reopened under extreme security: all terminals operating with reinforced protection (drones, patrols, controlled access). Expect vessel backlog and loading/unloading delays, as the initial closure and ongoing vigilance may slow normal throughput.
(No commercial seaport in Puerto Vallarta; maritime freight uses Manzanillo or Lázaro Cárdenas.)
Table Note:The situation remains fluid. Violence also flared in other areas (e.g., parts of Michoacán, Guanajuato, and border states like Tamaulipas), potentially affecting secondary routes and infrastructure. Authorities and the U.S. Embassy issued alerts, including for Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, and Guerrero, urging vigilance or shelter-in-place as needed. We advise monitoring these regions if your freight transits through them.
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