Freight forwarders were upset by Gustavo Petro's statement about the blockade during a national strike.

The cargo ship disagrees with the statement presented by Gustavo Petro during the presidential debate and pointed out that it was responsible for the blockades and impacts that occurred on national roads during the 2021 national strike.

“On the contrary, the transport sector was one of the sectors most affected by the situation of public order, although it did not participate or sponsor a national strike. Thousands of drivers between Cajamarca and Buga, for example, were trapped on this route; vandals who threatened them every day to become victims of terrorist acts and threats,” said Colfecar.

Likewise, the association emphasized that Valle del Cauca is one of the most affected areas in the United States, but it also experienced great difficulties in Cauca, Nariño, the coffee area, Cundimarca and Santander.

The Federation stressed that more than 29 tolls were destroyed on behalf of those who blocked roads at the national level. They also stressed that they were exposed to illegal tolls to allow vehicles to pass through.

“In Colombia, 80% of cargo vehicles belong to natural persons, and in most cases the vehicle represents a livelihood for themselves and their families, since it is the only property of the owner.” They said.

In addition, according to a national strike loss survey conducted with affiliates, 50% said their goods were stolen, 70% said their vehicles were damaged, and 5% said their offices were damaged.

They said: “Since in April 2020 the load was reduced by 30% compared to the same month of 2019, the blockade had a negative impact on the sector, which is worse than due to the most critical moment of the epidemic, and this reduction corresponds to 2.8 million tons of cargo that required 84,310 tractomules mobilization.”

According to Colfecar, the load was reduced by 12% in May compared to April 2020. The reduction rate was 44% compared to May 2019. Compared to May 2019, cargo decreased by 4.5 million tons, requiring 133,695 tractomules for transportation.

“It is estimated that transport entrepreneurs have assumed significant losses in the country's unemployment rate, estimated at 1.2 billion pesos, due to the loss of profits, the destruction of vehicles and offices, in addition to enduring the effects of the pandemic, which implies a reduction in mobilized cargo, looting and theft of goods,” Colfecar assured.

The freight forwarder sector is also aware that their activities are crossing into other production sectors and that they have a social responsibility to continue operating because the disruption causes trauma to the country, since it is an essential public service.

It is noteworthy that other economic sectors were affected by the blockade due to the death of more than 14 million birds and the loss of more than 600,000 tons of food.

“During the pandemic, it was Heroes on the Roads where transporters did not stop to transport food, medicine and supply them across the country, and today it is the culprit that blocked the road.Fortunately, there are thousands of videos that show reality!” Kolpeka said.

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