San Antonio truckers reach agreement to end eight-day port blockade

Independent truckers in San Antonio, Chile, have reached a definitive agreement with major cargo generators, ending an eight-day blockade of port access points in the Valparaíso Region. The resolution follows intense negotiations mediated by the Regional Presidential Delegation and the Ministry of Economy.

The strike, which began on October 28, was driven by protests over rising operational costs, diesel prices, and freight service conditions. The blockade resulted in the accumulation of over 4,500 containers awaiting processing and distribution.

Following the agreement, transport workers have begun the gradual removal of machinery from access routes to allow for the reopening of logistics terminals and the resumption of freight operations. In response to the conflict, Chilean senators Camila Flores and Paulina Núñez have proposed a bill to regulate contracting conditions for small truckers, including mandatory 30-day payment terms and pre-agreed kilometer rates.