Calabria’s heavy-haul sector entered the second day of a five-day strike led by the regional branch of Fedralog, the federation representing third-party logistics companies. Commencing at 00:01 on 9 October, the action is due to end at 24:00 on 13 October and covers all road-freight movements classed as ‘conto terzi’. Ports at Gioia Tauro, Crotone and Reggio Calabria report container backlogs of up to 2,000 TEU, with export loads of citrus fruit and furniture most affected. Railway operator Mercitalia has laid on four additional northbound freight trains, yet capacity remains tight, and forwarders warn of surcharges on spot bookings. Fedralog accuses the regional government of failing to release €28 million earmarked for road-safety upgrades and driver rest areas, funds that were promised after last year’s A2 motorway blockade. The regional transport councillor says the delay stems from pending EU-state-aid clearance and calls the strike “disproportionate”. Corporate shippers including IKEA and Del Monte have activated contingency plans, switching cargo to the ports of Taranto and Salerno or routing deliveries via Bari airport for high-value perishables. Insurance brokers caution that force-majeure clauses may not cover all costs, advising companies to document mitigation efforts. The industrial action underscores Calabria’s strategic but fragile role as a gateway for Mediterranean trade. If prolonged, analysts fear a domino effect on warehouse inventories across southern Italy and into the Balkans, where many Calabrian exporters have just-in-time supply contracts.
Source: ScioperiItalia
