Truckers’ protest at Port of Santos enters second day as freight measure faces deadline

A truck drivers’ work stoppage affecting access to the Port of Santos entered its second day on Tuesday, July 14. The protest, involving both independent and formally employed drivers from the Baixada Santista coastal region, is aimed at pressuring Brazil’s Senate to vote on Provisional Measure 1,343, known as the Freight Measure, before it expires on Thursday, July 16.

The action is part of a nationwide mobilization by truck drivers seeking approval of the measure, which would strengthen enforcement of Brazil’s minimum road-freight rates and increase penalties for companies that pay below the levels established by the National Land Transportation Agency, or ANTT.

In an interview with regional broadcaster TV Tribuna, Luciano dos Santos Cruz, president of the Baixada Santista Independent Truck Drivers’ Union, stressed the measure’s importance to workers in the sector.

According to Sindicam, the union representing independent road freight carriers in the Baixada Santista and Vale do Ribeira regions, the stoppage will continue until the proposal is placed on the Senate’s voting agenda.

What truck drivers are demanding

The Freight Measure was approved by Brazil’s lower house last month but still requires a vote by the full Senate. It will expire unless lawmakers consider it by Thursday, July 16.

Truck drivers argue that the measure would strengthen compliance with minimum freight rates and provide greater protection for independent carriers by preventing companies from hiring transportation services at prices below those set by ANTT.

On the first day of the protest, a tractor-trailer partially blocked access to the Port of Santos in the Alemoa district. According to the Santos Port Authority, the disruption lasted less than one hour and did not affect port operations, which continued normally after the roadway was cleared.

With no indication from the Senate that the measure will be brought to a vote, truck drivers are expected to maintain the stoppage over the coming days in an effort to increase pressure on lawmakers.

Image generated using artificial intelligence

Source: A Tribuna 

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