Freight Operations Disrupted in Western Mexico Following Security Incident

February 23, 2026

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):

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.

Latest Status and Operational Outlook

Manzanillo Port: After the temporary closure on Feb 22, Manzanillo Port has reopened with National Navy security reinforcement. Official statements confirm the port is now operating at Protection Level I (normal level) but with extraordinary protective measures (e.g., drone surveillance, maritime patrols, controlled entry). This port is critical for Mexican trade, handling the largest share of Pacific cargo, so any downtime has immediate supply chain effects. Expect delays and congestion as the port works through backlogs. Terminals are functioning, but it may take a few days for schedules to normalize. We advise anticipating possible vessel berthing delays and slower gate movements as authorities maintain checkpoints.

Guadalajara & Region Roadways: Many trucking routes to/from Guadalajara were impacted on Feb 22 by blockades. Key highways that saw incidents include the Guadalajara–Colima route, segments of the Guadalajara–Morelia (Michoacán) highway, and local ring roads and arterials around the city. As of Feb 23, most fires have been extinguished, and authorities are clearing debris. Freight traffic is resuming gradually on some corridors, but with delays. Security checkpoints may remain in place on highways as the military searches for cartel actors, which could slow truck transit. Therefore, over-the-road cargo moving through western Mexico should expect longer transit times and potential re-routing.

Air Cargo (Guadalajara Airport): Guadalajara International (GDL) is a major cargo airport (ranked 5th in Latin America). Freighter flights (cargo-only) were largely grounded on Feb 22 during the height of the unrest. By Feb 23, the airport had reopened under heavy security; passenger operations overnight were limited but are normalizing. Cargo flights are tentatively resuming. However, the airport’s cargo handling and trucking face challenges since access roads were blocked, and some staff could not reach the facility. Clients moving air freight via GDL should prepare for potential last-minute schedule changes and some handling delays as the backlog clears. Alternate airports (Mexico City, Querétaro, Monterrey) could be considered if urgency requires, but note some northern routes (e.g. via Nuevo León) may also see heightened security.

There is no major rail freight route into Guadalajara (freight is mainly truck-based in that corridor). As such, the primary concerns remain with road trucking, airports, and seaports. We are not aware of rail interruptions in the region. Warehouse operations in the Guadalajara area were effectively closed on Feb 22 during the Code Red. They may reopen on Feb 23/24 once safety is assured, but staffing could be an issue if curfews or advisories persist.

While the epicenter is in Jalisco/Colima, cartel-related unrest extended to some northern states. Notably, the U.S. Embassy alerts cited Tamaulipas and Nuevo León (which border Texas). There were unconfirmed reports of criminal roadblocks near Reynosa, Tamaulipas, on Feb 22. As a precaution, if you have cross-border trucking through Nuevo Laredo/Reynosa, stay in close contact with carriers for any delays. As of now, the main border ports

Recommendation and Mediation Strategies

In light of these disruptions, Crane Worldwide Logistics recommends the following actions for our clients and partners to minimize the impact on your supply chains:

• Prioritize Safety: First and foremost, ensure that any drivers, cargo handlers, or personnel in the affected regions are safe. Advise all staff and carriers to follow local authorities’ instructions regarding curfews or travel restrictions. In Jalisco, a Code Red remains active, meaning non-essential movement should be avoided. We have instructed all our subcontracted drivers in the area to pause journeys during the height of the unrest. Do not send drivers into known danger zones until clearance is given.
• Reach out to your Crane Worldwide account manager or operations contact for the latest local updates. Our offices in Guadalajara and Mexico City are closely monitoring the situation on the ground. We are receiving real-time intelligence from our team in Guadalajara – for example, they confirmed the temporary closure of Manzanillo Port and GDL Airport during the crisis. We will proactively notify clients of any changes in port or airport status. If you have critical shipments in transit, let us know so we can help coordinate contingency plans.
• Expect Delays and Build in Buffer Time: Plan for additional transit time for any shipments moving through western Mexico in the coming days. Even as roads reopen, there will be congestion and backlog. Trucking routes may involve detours or wait times at military checkpoints. Likewise, at ports and airports, anticipate some queues as operations normalize. If your supply chain can tolerate a brief hold, consider delaying dispatches by 24–48 hours to allow infrastructure to stabilize. We are seeing that by Feb 23 morning, Mexico “amanece sin bloqueos carreteros” (woke up without roadblocks) as per some local news, but heavy traffic and processing delays persist.
• Reroute or Divert Shipments if Feasible: For urgent cargo, we can explore alternate gateways. For ocean freight, if Manzanillo congestion becomes untenable, shipments could be diverted to alternate ports such as Lázaro Cárdenas (Michoacán) or Altamira (Tamaulipas) – keeping in mind that those areas should be checked for stability. During past disruptions, logistics experts advised using Lázaro Cárdenas as an alternative Pacific port. Our global network and carrier relationships can assist in re-routing containers if needed. For air freight, Mexico City (MEX) or even U.S. airports (with road feeder service) could serve as transshipment points, depending on urgency. We will work with you case-by-case basis to determine the best solution.
• Secure Your Supply Chain: Heightened security risks mean it’s prudent to review your cargo insurance and security protocols. Ensure high-value shipments are appropriately insured against delays or losses. Consider enhanced safeguards for any in-transit cargo in the region – e.g., GPS tracking on trucks, security escorts for critical deliveries once roads reopen, and use of secure parking locations if drivers must stage overnight. Our Customs brokerage and warehousing teams in Mexico are on alert to implement contingency measures (such as holding freight at secure facilities if final-mile delivery is not safe).
• Stay Updated via Official Channels: Rely on verified information from authorities. The Mexican Navy (SEMAR) and the local government in Jalisco are providing updates on port status and security developments. The U.S. State Department and other nations’ embassies have also issued travel alerts that can offer insight into which areas are highest risk. We recommend monitoring platforms like Mexico’s Secretariat of Marine (for port news) and the Guadalajara airport’s official bulletins for the latest operational status. We will continue to relay pertinent updates.
• Flexible Scheduling: Where possible, adjust your supply chain schedules. Carriers (airlines, ocean lines) are issuing waivers for rebooking fees due to this force majeure event. Work with them (or through Crane) to rebook shipments at no extra cost. If you have Just-In-Time deliveries depending on this region, notify your end customers about potential delays and consider interim stock from alternate sources if available. We’ll support with documentation if needed to explain delays (e.g., official advisory letters).

Lastly, please maintain close contact with your Crane Worldwide local representative. We are committed to ensuring our clients’ cargo moves as safely and efficiently as possible despite these challenges. We have enacted our business continuity plans in Mexico and globally to mitigate the impact on operations. The situation is dynamic, but with precautions and planning, we can manage through this disruption.

We will provide further updates as events unfold and when the situation normalizes. If you have any specific concerns about shipments, do not hesitate to reach out to your Crane Worldwide representative. The well-being of people is paramount – we hope for a swift restoration of safety in the affected communities – and we are here to support your logistics needs with that same priority in mind.