An ECLAC study has revealed that companies in Guatemala and El Salvador pay the highest costs because of organized crime in Latin America.
According to data from the Global Competitiveness Index 2012-13, analyzed by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), in its report on safety in the logistics sector in the region, Guatemala has a score of 1.86, on a scale of 1 to 7, regarding the influence of crime and violence in operating costs of enterprises, where 1 is "very much" and 7 means "nothing".
Central American heavy load carries are opposing the payment of third party insurance demanded by Mexican authorities.
The $18 charge for compulsory insurance imposed by the Mexican government is concerning heavy load carriers in Central America who are threatening to set up a road block next Thursday for an indefinite period of time. This strike would be carried out one day before the measure is implemented.
According to a study by the Transportation Development Foundation, transportation fleet´s age in the region is around fifteen years.
Improvement in transportation of goods and increase in competitiveness of the region would be the result of renewal of the fleet as well as contributing to the environment because it lowers gas emissions.
Nelson Vanegas, executive at Transportation Development Foundation of America (FUNDETCA) indicated the need for support from government institutions for such renewal.