Businessmen have complained to the Executive office about the slowness and inefficiency of customs inspections of the country, where containers are retained for up to 15 days.
The truckers blockade which paralyzed customs offices in Jutiapa for a week, has made entrepreneurs question the efficiency of border posts in the country because of the time invested in land transport.
The Government and the union agreed to meet in the coming days to resolve complaints made by the industry, which resulted in two days of strikes and business losses of at least $10 million.
The blockade by truckers on the border between Costa Rica and Panama, organized by the National Chamber of Cargo Transportation (Canacarga) and the Truckers Union of Chiriqui (Sicachi), was suspended on the night of February 16, after a party from the Government of Panama went from the capital to the province of Chiriqui.
The union has exhausted dialogue with the regional government of Chiriqui and is a blockading the border preventing the movement of freight carriers in Central America.
The provincial government in Chiriqui has failed to prevent Panamanian carriers, organized by the National Chamber of Cargo Transportation in Panama, (Canatraca) from indefinitely blocking the passage of trucks across the border in Paso Canoas (information at time of going to press at 3:30 p.m).
The Guatemalan Tax Authority has announced that the start of operations at the terminal, originally scheduled for December, will now be in February 2016.
Lack of a special dredging activities which must be carried out using machinery that will arrive in the country in January is the main reason for the delay to the start of operations.
Francisco Rivera, interim superintendent, told S21.com.gt that "...
It has been announced that as of December 15th the Tecún Uman San Marcos line will connect with the mexican Compañía de Ferrocarriles Chiapas-Mayab in order to transport cargo from Guatemala.
The Mexican train known as "The Beast", will enter onto Guatemalan soil through Tecún Uman, where it will receive cargo to be transported from Central America to Mexico and the United States.
Carriers are warning that an epidemic of theft of containers that primarily affects El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, may be starting to affect Nicaragua.
The president of the Central Transport Federation (Fecatran), Marvin Altamirano, told Elnuevodiario.com.ni that "... at least four cases of container theft have occurred in Nicaragua. "With the authorities we managed to stop about four containers that had been stolen, and which were loaded onto trucks with Guatemalan plates, that showed that the vehicles were already in contact with international criminal gangs.'"
Panamanian private sector representatives are defending the mode of operations of Uber, who announced the launch of its corporate transportation service in Panama City.
As in Costa Rica, the arrival of Uber has generated resistance among traditional public transport sectors, such as taxis. However, Panamanian businessmen believe, like the vast majority of companies in Costa Rica and other countries where Uber is already operating, that space should be given to Uber for the private transport service to operate without government hindrance.
Insurance against damage to third parties and a single registration for each unit are part of the announced amendments to the regulations on heavy transport in the country.
In 15 days reforms could take effect which include fining drivers instead of the companies that own the vehicles. In addition, employers must provide drivers documentation in order to hold them accountable in case of possible accidents.
The workshop will be held on March 16 in Guatemala City and will address issues such as traceability, lashing of goods, physical inspection processes and international standards.
From a statement issued by the Guatemalan Exporters Association (AGEXPORT):
Next March 16, 2015, the Council of International Transport Users of Guatemala (CUTRIGUA) will be holding a Seminar - Workshop on container management and inspection.
From February 23rd a pilot plan will be operating, which aims to accelerate the time it takes to process carriers operating at the border.
From a statement issued by the Guatemalan Exporters Association (Agexport):
The Single Window for Exports (VUPE) and CUTRIGUA, announced that as of February 23, 2015, a pilot project will start which aims to facilitate trade at border crossings.
Both governments announced that they have signed an agreement to unify customs in order to expedite the transport of vehicles and people, with effect from 1 June.
With this agreement, it is expected that the border between the two nations will be fully liberated for both freight and passengers in December. Immigration procedures will be carried out online or in an office to be located near the border area.
Free parking in Panama and heavy trains running through the streets of the capital of Costa Rica, are examples of some of the strange decisions taken by their governments.
EDITORIAL
While the rest of the world discourages the use of private cars as a means of transportation, increasing the costs of their use by setting, among other methods, high costs for parking in urban areas, in Panama, whose capital city suffers like any other city from the growing problems of congestion on the roads, the National Assembly recently passed a law that mandates free parking in "commercial parking lots of any kind or public offices where purchases are made, goods acquired or any services received. "
Companies prefer to hire private guards or outsource transportation of goods instead of purchasing insurance, sales of which fell by 38% between January and October compared to to the close in 2013.
According to the American Federation for Transport (Fecatrans), only 20% of their members have insurance against damage, theft or loss, because it raises costs which must then be transferred to the final price, meaning that the majority only take out insurance for third party damage in order to keep prices at competitive levels.
Between October 28th and 30th, Guatemala City will host a meeting between businessmen from various productive sectors in Spain and representatives from Central American companies.
This multilateral meeting aims to find business opportunities in the energy industry, transport, water and real estate development, among others.
Recognized Brazilian company of backhoe loaders, telescopic, articulated and other types of cranes looking for companies interested in representing the brand and distributing their machinery in Central America and Mexico. The company manufactures and sells telescopic,...