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In a move by the Lula government, a provisional measure tightens how the freight table is enforced across Brazil. It gives the ANTT authority to suspend or cancel a company’s freight registration for repeated violations. It requires every freight operation to be recorded through the Ciot system, creating a detailed view of prices and parties involved. The measure raises penalties for contractors that pay below the table, including the possibility of fines up to ten million reais per operation and a ban on new contracts in serious cases. It also allows suspending or canceling the right to operate for up to two years in persistent or grave infractions. The overhaul links Ciot to the MDF-e for better data sharing with tax and local authorities, strengthening oversight nationwide. This article explains who is affected and how the new rules will be enforced.
- The government tightens rules to watch freight prices and punish violators
- ANTT can suspend or cancel a company’s freight registration for repeated violations
- Every freight move must be recorded with Ciot to show prices and who is involved
- Contractors who pay below the minimum freight price can face big fines and bans from future freight work
- Data from Ciot will be shared with tax agencies to boost enforcement across the country
Government Tightens Freight Rate Rules Through Provisional Measure
Lead
The Lula administration published a provisional measure in the Official Journal to tighten how the freight rate table is enforced. It raises penalties for violations and gives the national trucking regulator powers to suspend or cancel freight registrations for repeat offenders. The measure also requires every freight operation to be recorded with the Ciot code, enabling detailed tracking of prices, minimums, and who is paying what.
Key Provisions
The measure introduces a mandatory use of the Ciot system for all operations. The data gathered will include the freight price and the minimum rate, allowing the national regulator to spot and block operations that fall below the legal value. It also expands the agency’s authority to suspend or cancel a company’s ability to operate in the sector for up to two years in serious or repeated cases. Autonomous carriers (TAC) are not covered by these suspensions.
Contractors who pay below the floor can face higher fines and may be barred from contracting new freight work. Fines can range from R$1 million to R$10 million per operation. The measure also allows for the possibility of holding partners and members of business groups accountable through legal mechanisms that pierce the corporate veil.
Data and Enforcement
The reform emphasizes stronger monitoring by linking data across ANTT, the Federal Revenue, and state and municipal tax authorities. The Ciot will be tied to the Manifesto Eletrônico de Documentos Fiscais (MDF-e), broadening oversight of freight operations nationwide. Officials say the agency already has tools to oversee all freight electronically and can monitor freights in real time using electronic invoices from state tax offices.
In addition to electronic checks, the government plans targeted physical inspections in regions with higher rates of noncompliance. These areas include zones with heavy transport activity for meat, fuels, and beverages.
Background and Context
The policy builds on Brazil’s National Minimum Freight Floors for Road Transport, created after the 2018 truckers’ strike. The ANTT is tasked with publishing minimum floor values per kilometer, per axle, and by load, considering distance and cargo specifics. The agency is required to update these floors every six months or when diesel prices move more than 5%, which triggers a price-change mechanism.
Conclusion
This provisional measure marks a decisive move toward tighter oversight of Brazil’s freight sector. By mandating Ciot for all operations and tying its data to MDF-e, it creates a transparent, real-time view of prices, participants, and compliance. The authority of ANTT is expanded to suspend or cancel freight registrations for repeat or serious breaches, with penalties reaching up to R$10 million per operation and potential bans from future contracts. The reform also links cross-government data—via Receita Federal, and state and municipal tax offices—to strengthen enforcement nationwide and supports targeted inspections in high-violation regions. Built on the 2018 National Minimum Freight Floors framework, the policy aspires to fairer pricing and reduced evasion, while expanding accountability to contracting parties and, where applicable, piercing corporate veil.
Effective implementation will hinge on robust data integration, clear guidance to avoid unintended consequences for legitimate operators (noting that Autonomous Carriers, TAC, are excluded from suspensions), and careful calibration to preserve supply-chain reliability. If executed with proportionate enforcement and ongoing industry dialogue, the measure has the potential to improve compliance, price transparency, and tax collection across Brazil’s freight market.
Frequently asked questions
What changes does the MP bring to the freight rate table enforcement?
It tightens the rules and beefs up penalties. All freight moves must be logged with Ciot. ANTT can suspend or cancel freight registrations for repeated breaches. Ciot will link to MDF-e for better tracking. Penalties for violators are higher.
Who can be fined or suspended under the new rules?
Carriers can be suspended or have their freight registration canceled for repeat violations. Contracting parties can be fined and barred from new freights. Transportadores autônomos (TAC) are not subject to suspensions. Fines can reach up to 10 million reais per operation for contracting parties.
What is Ciot and why is it required for all operations?
Ciot is the operation identifier code for freight. It records details like price, carrier, cargo, and more. Every operation must be registered in Ciot. Ciot will be tied to MDF-e to improve oversight.
How high can fines go and what other penalties exist?
Fines can reach up to 10 million reais per operation. Contracting parties can be banned from new contracts. Carriers can face suspension or cancellation of their freight registration. Repeated violations bring heavier consequences.
How will enforcement be strengthened across government?
Data will be shared among ANTT, Receita Federal, and state and municipal tax offices. Ciot data will be integrated with MDF-e for real-time checks. Authorities will use trilhas de inteligência in high-violation regions.