After an assembly on March 19, 2026, truck drivers decided to suspend the planned strike but remain in a state of strike. They will meet with Minister Guilherme Boulos on March 25 in Brasília to discuss demands. The government issued an MP to reinforce the minimum freight rate.
In a national assembly held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, truck driver leaders decided to suspend the planned strike for that week but maintain a state of strike, as stated by João Paulo Eustasia, president of CNTTL (National Confederation of Transport and Logistics Workers), known as Paulinho do Transporte. He explained that the state of strike means a new assembly could decide on paralysis if demands are not addressed. 'We suspended the strike, but remain in a state of strike. On next Wednesday, the 25th, we secured an agenda with Minister Boulos in Brasília,' Paulinho told VEJA in an interview. Key pending issues include adjusting the minimum freight rate according to the number of truck axles and special retirement for the category, which depends on Congress. The federal government published a Provisional Measure (MP) on the same day via the Ministry of Transportes to enforce the minimum freight rate, with harsher penalties such as suspension or cancellation of company registrations for up to two years in serious cases. Paulinho acknowledged truck drivers linked to political groups trying to foment the strike but emphasized the category's caution, considering economic impacts like those in 2018 and the election year. 'We know we could favor one political side or another if we radicalize with a strike,' he said. Folha de S.Paulo confirmed the meeting with Boulos and the MP advances.
