Venezuela Reactivates National Cargo Transport Council

Sector leaders from La Guaira, Táchira, Portuguesa, Carabobo, Zulia, Barinas, Falcón and other states met virtually and in Valencia to revive the National Council of Cargo Transport. The council will act as the sector’s representative before the national government and public agencies.

Emiddio Palumbo, president of CATRAVARGAS, was appointed national coordinator, with Santiago Rodríguez of Catracentro designated as his substitute. The council’s first actions include a nationwide call to all cargo‑transport associations, regional integration meetings, establishing a national structure, drafting statutes and presenting a demand dossier to the government on service regulations, financing and vehicle import tariffs.

Palumbo highlighted severe diesel shortages and fuel‑station problems, quoting: “Tenemos graves problemas con el gasoil… hay estaciones que quieren dólares y si no tienes debes hacer una cola de cuatro o cinco días.” He also noted that most trucks are 40‑50 years old, posing safety risks: “Tenemos una flota que en su mayoría tiene 40 o 50 años de caducidad…”. The council will seek bank loans and tariff exemptions to modernise the fleet and will maintain continual communication with the media.