Problems persist in the process of reviewing merchandise at the border posts in Amatillo and La Hachadura causing delays to cargo trucks.
Double review processes, recurring failures with x-ray machine inspection and the absence of a contingency plan for unforeseen delays has generated delays of between 19 and 23 hours for the approval of entry and exit of goods, said the Salvadoran Association of International Freight Carriers (ASTIC).
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 $18 charge for compulsory insurance imposed by the Mexican government is concerning heavy load carriers in Central America who are threatening to set up a road block next Thursday for an indefinite period of time.
Transport companies are pushing the government to lower the price of diesel, their main raw material whose price has increased by 7% in the last two months.
In just the first two months of 2012, the price of a gallon of diesel has gone up 27 cents, an increase of 7%.
On average it can take up to three hours to perform customs clearance at the different borders.
Transport industry representatives agree that the lack of personnel, the arbitrariness of some officials and the lack of procedures among other things are some of the causes of the delays.
The Freight Business Association announced adjustments of 38% and 100% in freight rates.
For distances less than 500 km the increase is 38% ($ 1.45 per km). For distances over 1,000 kilometers up to 100% (the current rate in Panama is $ 1 per km).
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.
The Salvadoran Association of Cargo Transportation Companies announced they will increase fees by 20%.
Nelson Vanegas, president of the Association (known as Asetca), explained the increase as a result of higher fuel prices. Asteca gathers over 60 of all cargo transportation companies in the country.
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