U.S. truckers are asked to be on the alert to growing violence on the Southwest U.S. border with Mexico.

The Highway ISAC issued an “unclassified” alert the first week of March detailing the increase in violence among Mexican drug cartels – on both sides of the border. The main area of concern highlighted in the alert is in and around Ciudad Juarez.

As part of the cross-border program with Mexico, U.S. motor carriers admitted to the program were granted access to Mexico beyond border zones. The ISAC alert encourages U.S. truckers to be vigilant and alert of their surroundings.

“If a situation does not feel right to you, do not hesitate to avoid the circumstances at all costs,” the alert states.

The alert credits the increase in violence – which has claimed the lives of more than 200 U.S. citizens since 2004 – to a crackdown on the drug smuggling by Mexican cartels.

“With these difficulties, the cartels gangs have become more aggressive and dangerous with their tactics,” the alert states. “Violent crimes have surged throughout border cities, and the violence that primarily occurred on the Mexican side has begun to spill into the United States.”

Beyond cautioning truckers to be mindful of their surroundings, the alert states that Mexico is deploying more guards to protect commuter routes for Americans.

Officials have deployed 300 city, state and federal police and more than 5,000 soldiers to protect the corridors. The routes being protected lead to and from international bridges traveled daily by U.S. citizens.

The ISAC alert also encourages truckers to:

• Drive on the toll roads when possible as they are more secure;
• Leave an itinerary with a friend or family member not traveling with you;
• Check cell phone coverage of the areas you plan to be in;
• Report in at every stop, no matter whether it is scheduled or not;
• Set a routine time period for checking in; for example, call in every four hours;
• Call before and after deliveries; and
• Establish a duress code so you can communicate even while being threatened.

The full ISAC alert can be read here.