Brazilian customs strike and Indian truck driver strike

1. Brazilian customs strike

Due to disputes over wages, Brazilian customs went on strike again in April. For all goods exported to Brazil or that have arrived in Brazil for customs clearance, please contact the customer in time for proper resolution.

2. Set truck drivers on strike! Operations at three ports in India stalled

As of July 7, the truck drivers' strike in India has stopped most import and export activities at Kattupalli, Chennai and Kamalahar ports, with about 8,000 containers stranded at the ports.

It is reported that due to rising fuel costs, truck drivers demanded an increase in fees, but failed to reach an agreement and therefore declared a strike. More than 4,000 vehicles are participating in the operation at Indian ports.

SR Raja of the Trailer Owners Association said: "Only the customs agency agreed to increase the rates. There were two other associations involved in this negotiation but they did not agree to our terms. From third-party insurance to spare parts and tire retreading prices over the years All are increasing. The last time the port increased lease rates was in 2014, so we want to increase the rates."

Truck drivers have instituted new rates based on the distance and size of the containers being transported, with a 20-foot container paying 6,120 rupees (about $77), for example, compared to the current rate of 3,400 rupees (about $43). Likewise, for a 40-foot container, they want the port to pay 12,240 rupees (about $154) instead of 6,800 rupees (about $86). These rates are determined based on the distance between the port and each container freight station (CFS).

The National Association of Container Freight Stations (NACFS) said they are not a trade body but an association. "We cannot be involved in commercial transactions between our members and their suppliers. The consignments are made as per direct contracts between members and suppliers and we are not a party to this contract. Our members cannot be told to increase the transportation charges. This is against competition laws," said a source.

A port employee said that the truck fare has increased by 1,000 rupees (about $16) per trip since 2019, but the cargo owners did not mention it. He also said that it is wrong to let all import and export business stagnate.