The Brazilian Senate approved a provisional measure on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, that establishes new rules for the minimum road freight rate [1].
The decision prevents a potential nationwide logistics collapse. Truck drivers had threatened to strike and staged protests across the country to demand guaranteed minimum pay, which could have paralyzed the transport of goods across Brazil [3].
The legislation was passed just two days before the provisional measure was set to expire on July 16, 2026 [3]. Had the Senate failed to vote by that deadline, the measure would have lost its validity, likely escalating the unrest among the transport sector.
Under the new rules, companies that violate the minimum freight requirements face significant penalties. The measure establishes a maximum fine of R$ 1 million for companies that fail to comply with the established rates [2].
The approval brings an immediate end to the mobilization of the drivers' category. Chorão, a leader of the truck drivers, said that the protests should cease now that the legislative hurdle has been cleared.
"Agora é hora de desmobilizar," Chorão said [3].
The measure now follows the standard legislative process and has been sent to President Lula for final sanction [1]. This step is required to formally turn the provisional measure into law.
“"Agora é hora de desmobilizar"”
The approval of the minimum freight rate is a strategic move by the Brazilian government to maintain economic stability. By implementing a floor for transport costs and imposing heavy fines on non-compliant companies, the state aims to reduce the volatility of the logistics sector and prevent the kind of nationwide strikes that have historically crippled the Brazilian economy.
