Brazil's Chamber approves freight measure, includes amnesty for 2022 truckers' road blockades

Brazil's Chamber of Deputies has approved a provisional measure concerning freight transport, significantly altering the original text proposed by President Lula's administration. The vote, conducted symbolically on Wednesday, included a controversial amendment that grants amnesty to truck drivers who participated in nationwide road blockades in 2022 following the election defeat of then-President Jair Bolsonaro.

The amendment, introduced by Congressman Zé Trovão, states, "Fines imposed on freight carriers, whether individuals or legal entities, and on drivers, for penalties incurred due to their participation in demonstrations, blockades, or related acts that occurred within the national territory in 2022, are hereby annulled." This move effectively pardons truckers, including some leaders who initially rejected Lula's victory, for actions that disrupted logistics and economy in 2022.

Beyond the amnesty, the approved measure aims to regulate the freight transport sector more strictly. It mandates prior registration for all paid road freight transport operations through a specific identification code. The bill also requires the creation of a minimum freight price schedule based on operational costs, with adjustments to be made within three business days if fuel prices fluctuate by 5% or more. The National Land Transport Agency (ANTT) and Infra S.A. will oversee these price adjustments.

Penalties for companies violating these freight rules are also outlined, including temporary suspension of registration or revocation of operating licenses for up to two years, though this does not apply to autonomous transporters. Fines for repeat offenders range from R$100,000 to R$1 million. The legislation also establishes a national minimum wage of R$5,000 for long-distance professional drivers and introduces the Procargas program to support the modernization and renewal of the national fleet, including the development of rest stops.

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Ficam anuladas as multas aos transportadores de cargas, pessoas físicas e jurídicas, e a motoristas que tenham sido penalizados em decorrência de sua participação em manifestações, bloqueios ou atos correlatos ocorridos no território nacional no ano de 2022.