Visuals by Hubert Hayaud
Text by Jody Garcia
Date: Aug. 7, 2026
Drivers from Central America embark on journeys to the United States not for migration but to source used cars. These vehicles, salvaged from American scrapyards, are given a new lease on life, playing a key role in the local economy. Julio César Pisquiy Nimatuj, first driven on a highway at 12, is now one of these drivers at 44, relying on this trade for his livelihood.
Personal Business Model
Each driver has their unique approach. Mr. Pisquiy purchases cars at U.S. auctions and arranges their delivery to Otay Mesa, near San Diego, before driving them to Guatemala for resale. Preparing for the trip involves meticulous packing. His first-class ticket allows him 73 pounds of luggage, which he fills with essential tools like wrenches, an impact gun, and a tow bar. Additional space is used for general goods.
The cars seldom match their online descriptions, presenting a challenge. Mr. Pisquiy manages the necessary repairs himself to ensure they survive the 2,000-mile journey. Annually, he makes 10 to 15 trips, with each trip averaging a $2,000 profit that may take up to 20 days.
Supplemental Income
He earns extra by transporting gifts and essentials, coordinated with customers through WhatsApp. He proudly identifies as a transmigrant. “I also have a body shop and optometrist clinics, but without travel, I face problems,” he shares. “Transmigrant work brings the highest profit.”
Economic Lifeline
For transmigrants, vehicles in U.S. junkyards are valuable resources. Holding transit visas, they exploit this niche, offering an economic alternative to traditional migration paths for many Central Americans. In Guatemala, where poverty affects 55% and the informal sector supports half the economy, such opportunities are rare.
Challenges on the Journey
Recalling his first difficult drive of a school bus in the U.S., Mr. Pisquiy has since amassed 15 years of experience. While used cars are cheaper in Central America, they often lack the safety standards enforced in the U.S. Through Mexico, transmigrants face restrictions on routes and must complete their trip within nine days. The journey is perilous, involving risks of assault and robbery. Extortion is a prevalent cost that is factored into each trip’s budget. “We never really know who is assaulting us,” Mr. Pisquiy notes. “They often take 2,000 pesos from us.”
Costs and Support Network
The expenses for each trip total about $2,000, covering flight tickets, car parts, food, taxes, permits in Mexico, and extortion. Ensuring vehicle reliability is critical to avoid costly breakdowns. A network of solidarity helps transmigrants combat loneliness and danger. “I have my favorite places, hotels, and restaurants,” Mr. Pisquiy mentions. With a rigorous daily schedule of 14 hours of driving, good rest and meals are vital.
Family and Experience
Securing U.S. entry permission demanded two years of documentation proving his intent not to remain. Mr. Pisquiy’s family, including his wife Any and their three children, await his safe return. He feels more secure and cautious now. “My experience has taught me to be more careful, even with my timing.”
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