Brazil President Lula faces August deadline on freight transport MP

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva must decide by 6 August whether to sanction Medida Provisória 1.343, the “MP do Frete” approved by the Senate. Trucking unions argue the measure improves payment traceability, links freight payments to the CIOT (Código Identificador da Operação de Transporte) and secures pension contributions for autonomous drivers. Transport companies, however, seek adjustments to avoid operational disruptions and legal uncertainty.

The National Land Transport Agency (ANTT) also announced a toll increase on the BR‑163 corridor in Mato Grosso do Sul, effective 5 August, raising costs for frequent freight operators. Since 24 May the CIOT system has expanded to cover a larger share of paid road freight, integrating data on contracts, vehicles, routes and freight values, and tying the code to the electronic fiscal manifest (MDF‑e). The new rules affect the enforcement of the minimum freight floor and are expected to shape compliance and cost structures for carriers, shippers and drivers in the coming weeks.