Dana L. Brundage | Feb 15, 2011 12:26PM EST
Colombian truck drivers, on strike for more than two weeks, are blocking major roadways in the capital city of Bogota, causing a complete standstill during rush hour and forcing residents to walk to work.
The 120,000-member Truckers Association is protesting the government's decision to put an end to minimum trucking rates and opening freight prices up to market forces. The strike is severely affecting the country's coffee export industry.
According to reports, Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos said the fixed freight price system was "obsolete," noting that the country would be able to compete on a higher level regarding exports without the system in place.
Colombia is currently in negotiations with China on a transcontinental rail operation through the South American nation. The "dry canal" would help China to move goods more easily through the region while helping Colombia to compete with the Panama Canal.
David Pulis contributed to this article.
-- Contact Dana L. Brundage at dbrundage@joc.com .
