Original article: «Necesitamos respeto»: camioneros independientes de San Antonio acusan a 7 empresas de negarse a negociar y mantienen paro indefinido

Independent Truckers in San Antonio Demand Respect as They Accuse 7 Companies of Refusing to Negotiate Amid Indefinite Strike

Independent truckers from San Antonio who have been on an indefinite strike since October 28th, demand respect and accuse seven companies owning off-port warehouses of refusing to negotiate.

Manuel Araya, president of the Independent Truckers Association of San Antonio (Agreporsai), which initiated the mobilization, warned of a potential collapse at the ports and described the unwillingness to engage in dialogue as “a whim” from the cargo generators who have not participated in discussions.

Specifically, the companies involved are: D&C, Sitrans, Agunsa, Medlog, CLEP, SIX Extraportuario, and Contopsa.

“Nothing will change until they are willing to sit down and talk with us. And we are already in this situation, and I believe that as a person, as a truck owner, as a driver, we need respect,” he stated in an interview with Radio Bio Bío.

It is worth noting that the strike was called to protest rising fuel prices and the lack of government measures to alleviate operational cost increases. The sector’s demands include updating freight rates, which have been frozen for years while diesel prices nearly doubled since 2022; eliminating the four new TAG toll booths installed on Route 78; and ensuring negotiations are led by a central government authority in San Antonio rather than in Santiago.

Only Offer of a $2,000 Increase for Freight Transport

The independent truckers from San Antonio indicated that they have only received one offer of a $2,000 increase for freight transport from the company Contopsa, which was deemed a “mockery” by the union. They recalled that the last adjustment to the fare was implemented in 2022.

$308 Billion at Risk from Fruit Exports

According to the transporters, the strike has prevented the entry of over 3,000 containers into the port and the departure of a similar number. DP World and STI are operating above their normal saturation levels, with nearly 200 trucks stranded just as the fruit export season is about to begin.

If the indefinite strike continues, approximately US$300 thousand in fruit exports – around $308 billion – could be affected.

The situation becomes critical considering that during the 2025-2026 season, San Antonio shipped more than 16,500 containers of cherries destined for China, with a peak concentrated precisely in November and December, through STI and DP World, the same terminals currently impacted.

“A blockade at this moment is not good for anyone. The fruit season is coming, and the ports are overwhelmed. They know the real rates; they know it’s a whim. They themselves are continuing to harm the chain,” warned Araya to Radio Bio Bío.

According to the regional presidential delegate, Manuel Millones, two lawsuits have allegedly been filed for the blockage of off-port warehouses. However, the independent truckers in San Antonio remain firm in maintaining the strike until the companies agree to negotiate to resolve the conflict.

Featured image: La Mega FM.