THE Port of Manzanillo, Mexico's largest port, has been affected by delays and severe cargo congestion after a strike by customs workers, reports New York's FreightWaves.
Miguel Angel Martinez, president of Mexico's National Chamber of Freight Transport (Canacar), said some truckers are close to bankruptcy due to an operational crisis at Manzanillo's customs department.
The strike at the Port of Manzanillo, which began May 12 and ended May 15, included accusations of workplace harassment, along with demands for better working conditions, more personnel and extended customs hours.
The port, on Mexico's Pacific coast, resumed full operations on May 21, according to the Mexican navy, which handles customs clearance at all ports of entry.
"Thousands of containers and cargo are being held up and experiencing critical delays; yards are completely overwhelmed, and customs inspections often exceed 72 hours per unit, without adequate care and sanitation for our operators," Mr Martinez said.
In addition to being president of Canacar, he is the CEO of Grupo Marva, a carrier with 1,600 trucks and 13 terminals around Mexico, including a facility at the Port of Manzanillo.
"Trucking companies are on the brink of bankruptcy, as a result of these days of paralysis. We've already defaulted on payments to leasing companies, insurance companies, suppliers, and even our staff," Mr Martinez said.
Mexico's Association of Maquiladora and Export Manufacturing Industries Occident said the strike and delays could cost the Port of Manzanillo US$150 million in lost revenue, and operations could take up to five weeks to normalize, according to El Economista.
https://www.shippingazette.com/news?news_id=9250600000260
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