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Spanish Freight Industry Faces Challenges as CETM Calls for Transport Ministry Action over French Border Disruptions

Spanish Freight Industry Faces Challenges as CETM Calls for Transport Ministry Action over French Border Disruptions

James Miller
by 
James Miller
5 minutes read
News
January 12, 2026

French Farmer Protests Disrupt Freight Transport at Border

The ongoing blockades caused by French farmer protests have led to significant traffic congestion at the border, severely impacting Spanish freight transport. As of early morning, convoy lengths were recorded up to 5 kilometers near Biriatou on the AP-8, the key motorway heading towards France, marking the third consecutive day of disruptions that have put a strain on cross-border logistics.

Impact on Freight Movement and Traffic Management Measures

To alleviate some of the pressure, the Basque Government introduced special traffic regulations allowing trucks to cross the border only during designated time slots. Despite this measure being a step in the right direction, the limited quota—restricting passage to roughly 200 trucks per hour—has resulted in prolonged waiting times for drivers, raising concerns over delays and potential logistic backlogs once vehicles reach French territory.

LocationSituationEffect on Traffic
Biriatou (AP-8)5 km physical queue of freight trucksLong delays due to capacity restrictions
Behobia borderTemporary closures for heavy vehiclesIntermittent blockages, causing pile-ups
Passenger vehiclesUnrestricted flowNo significant delays

CETM Highlights Lack of Government Response

The Confederation of Spanish Freight Transport (CETM) has openly criticized the silent stance of the national Transport Ministry. Up to this point, no public statements or concrete actions have been disclosed by Minister Óscar Puente’s office to address or mitigate the obstacles faced by Spanish transporters caught in the disruption.

This absence of governmental engagement is viewed by the sector as a harsh blow to a critical industry that underpins economic supply chains, industrial activity, and national distribution networks. The growing frustration reflects fears that the issue might be dismissed as an acceptable collateral damage, whereas its ramifications ripple far beyond just transport, potentially affecting multiple sectors relying on timely freight delivery.

Transport Sector’s Role and the Need for Advocacy

  • Freight transport as a pillar of the economy
  • Vulnerability to external disruptions like border protests
  • Urgent appeal for government intervention at national and European levels

Why Visibility and Action Matter for Freight Logistics

In logistics, visibility is key—not just on tracking shipments but on acknowledging challenges faced by those who keep the goods moving. Disruptions such as these border blockades highlight the fragility of supply chains and the essential need for proactive institutional support. Without swift and firm responses, the risk is extended delays, increased costs, and a domino effect impacting industries far beyond the road.

Looking Ahead: Logistics and Freight Transport in a Changing Cross-Border Environment

While the current disturbances mainly affect a regional corridor between Spain and France, they cast a light on the broader picture of international freight transport. Cross-border logistics must constantly navigate an array of challenges, from infrastructure bottlenecks to unexpected social disruptions.

Platforms like GetTransport.com prove their value by providing adaptable, affordable solutions to moving cargo worldwide—be it for shifting office setups, relocating homes, or transporting bulky goods like vehicles or furniture. Their versatility ensures logistic operators and businesses can respond flexibly to these sorts of interruptions.

Summary of Key Issues

ProblemCurrent ResponseConsequences
Border roadblocks by protesting farmersRestricted timed-crossings by regional authorityLong wait times, risk of congestion spillover
Transport Ministry silenceNo official statements or interventionsFrustration and uncertainty in transport sector
Impact on Spanish freight industryReduced transport efficiency and delaysEconomic ripple effects

Experience Versus Reviews: Making the Best Choice for Your Freight Transport

Even the most thorough reviews and detailed feedback can’t replace direct experience when managing cargo logistics through sensitive border areas. On GetTransport.com, you have the unique opportunity to book your freight carriage at the most competitive prices worldwide, ensuring a smart and budget-conscious decision.

The platform’s transparency and user-friendly interface offer unmatched convenience, supporting freight shippers with a range of options to handle shipments of all kinds—whether it’s parcel, pallet, container, or bulky goods. This flexibility, combined with affordability, equips users to steer clear of unnecessary expenses or surprises in their shipping plans. Get the best offers at GetTransport.com.com.

Forecast: Potential Logistics Impact and Staying Ahead

Although these French border disruptions might not shift the global logistics landscape dramatically, such events serve as a sharp reminder of how local issues can create ripple effects in international freight transport. For platforms like GetTransport.com that strive to stay on top of worldwide developments, awareness and adaptability are vital.

Start planning your next delivery and secure your cargo with GetTransport.com to navigate such uncertainties efficiently and reliably.

Conclusion: Navigating Cross-Border Freight Challenges with Confidence

In a nutshell, French farmer protests at the border near Biriatou have led to significant traffic jams and delays impacting Spanish freight transport. Despite regional efforts to manage traffic flow through timed crossing allowances, the limited throughput has left many truck drivers facing long waits. Adding to the sector’s difficulties is the silence from the Transport Ministry, which has yet to present any measures or public support for affected transporters.

Such situations emphasize the critical role of visible institutional advocacy in safeguarding key logistics corridors. They also highlight how commercial platforms providing flexible and affordable transport options become indispensable for maintaining smooth supply chains, no matter the challenges. Whether managing international shipment, haulage, or bulky goods delivery, services like GetTransport.com ensure the freight sector can continue moving forward, making logistics smarter, cheaper, and hassle-free.