The ANTT is intensifying oversight of freight transport, implementing automatic suspensions for carriers that fail to comply with the minimum freight rate floor, aiming for greater balance in the sector.
The National Land Transportation Agency (ANTT) has launched a rigorous crackdown on non-compliance with the minimum road freight rate floor. Through the implementation of new precautionary measures, the agency aims to curb practices that negatively pressure carriers’ profit margins and compromise the operational sustainability of fleets across the country.
The strategy is bolstered by automation technologies that monitor freight shipments in real time. The requirement for the CIOT (Transportation Operation Identifier Code) has become key to ensuring that the amounts paid to truck drivers comply with official tables, effectively preventing the issuance of irregular invoices that ignore the minimum costs mandated by law.
New rules and the impact on logistics operations
Administrative sanctions have become more severe for repeat offenders. According to updated guidelines, carriers that accumulate four notices of violation within a six-month period may have their registration in the RNTRC (National Registry of Road Freight Carriers) suspended for a period ranging from five to 30 days. The penalty takes effect just 72 hours after the official announcement in the Federal Official Gazette (DOU).
Regarding the importance of compliance for corporate survival, industry experts note:
“Management must be surgical, as the regulatory floor acts only as a coverage base for variable and fixed costs, forcing carriers to seek competitive advantages beyond basic freight pricing.”
Efficiency as a survival strategy
With tighter oversight, the road transport sector has shifted its focus to the deep optimization of internal expenses. Since diesel costs still account for about one-third of total trip expenses, smart route planning and strict fuel consumption monitoring have become strategic priorities to avoid losses.
Furthermore, a focus on fleet renewal has proven to be an ally in cost reduction. Using trucks less than two years old not only minimizes the risk of unexpected breakdowns but also ensures superior fuel efficiency. These initiatives aim to maintain competitiveness in a market where financial margins are razor-thin, requiring carriers to be increasingly efficient to thrive under the new regulatory landscape.