25% Freight Rate Increase Insufficient to Cover Grain Transportation Costs Amid Food Security Challenges
Mohammad Aigharloo, Secretary of the Federation of Transportation and Logistics
Despite a 25% Increase, Freight Rates Fail to Cover Transportation Costs:
He stated that although freight rates increased by 25% starting February 14, this rise barely meets the minimum set by the government and does not reflect the real surge in costs such as spare parts, labor wages, and equipment maintenance
He emphasized that current rates are still lower than those from two years ago when adjusted for inflation and currency fluctuations.
Aigharloo highlighted that transport operators face heavy expenses including insurance, taxes, and road tolls. Despite transporting high-value goods, freight charges cover only a small fraction of the cargo value, leading to widespread dissatisfaction when rates are raised.
He also criticized government policies for failing to benefit the private sector and pointed to mismanagement as a cause for the sector’s decline.
Additionally, he mentioned the ongoing issue of about 2,000 European trucks stuck at the Turkish border, unable to enter Iran, while luxury passenger cars are allowed clearance — a situation he views as detrimental to the country’s economic interests.
