Brazil Senate reviews truck freight floor bill with amnesty for road‑blockade fines

The Brazilian Senate is set to examine a provisional measure (MP 1.343/2026) that would establish a new minimum freight rate for truck drivers. The proposal, approved by the Chamber of Deputies, requires the National Land Transport Agency (ANTT) to calculate the floor based on factors such as vehicle type, distance, fuel costs, maintenance, insurance and loading time, and to enforce stricter compliance through the Transport Operation Identifier Code (CIOT). Penalties for paying below the floor could range from R$ 100,000 to R$ 1 million, with possible double fines for repeat offenses and suspension of company registration.

A controversial amendment added by Deputy Zé Trovão grants amnesty for fines issued to drivers and transport companies involved in road blockades after the 2022 presidential election. Under the amendment, those fines would be converted into administrative warnings. Government leaders have criticized the addition as unrelated to the core freight‑rate issue. The Senate must vote on the measure by 16 July to keep it in force.