Karachi, December 25, 2025 — The Karachi Customs Agents Association (KCAA) has expressed serious concern over a sudden and steep increase in freight charges imposed by goods transporters following the conclusion of a week-long strike, warning that the move is significantly raising the cost of doing business and disrupting the logistics chain.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the KCAA said that transporters increased freight rates by more than double after the seven-day strike ended. According to the association, routes where truck rentals previously ranged between Rs20,000 and Rs30,000 have now surged to Rs50,000–Rs60,000, creating an unprecedented burden on traders and importers.
KCAA General Secretary Sheikh Waqas Anjum said that although the strike formally ended on December 17 at 9:00 pm following negotiations with the government, the transportation and delivery system remains under severe strain. He noted that the return to normal operations has been extremely slow due to a shortage of vehicles and mounting congestion.
Following the strike, heavy traffic flooded Karachi’s roads simultaneously, leading to massive gridlocks in Gulbai, Mauripur, port entry and exit points, and around terminal areas. The situation exposed serious weaknesses in the city’s road infrastructure and traffic management, with ripple effects felt not only in port zones but across the metropolis.
Despite these challenges, port-related operations continued. Container handling at terminals remained ongoing, while Customs Appraisement South, under the supervision of Chief Collector Customs South Wajid Ali, ensured that clearance processes continued to prevent a complete halt in commercial activity.
However, the KCAA pointed out that poor road conditions, lack of effective traffic control, and absence of coordinated planning severely impacted the logistics chain. Roads around the KICT terminal were described as being in deplorable condition with no clear traffic management system, while access to the SAPT terminal has become increasingly problematic due to container traffic, residential vehicles, and heavy trailers sharing the same roadway.
The association warned that the sharp rise in freight charges has significantly increased trade costs. Delays in container movement have also forced traders to bear additional demurrage and detention charges, further escalating financial losses.
The KCAA urged transporters and their associations to avoid excessive freight rates and adhere to official rate lists and agreed tariffs to help normalize commercial activity. It also called on the Sindh and Federal governments to engage all stakeholders—including KCAA, FPCCI, chambers of commerce, trade bodies, and transporters—well in advance to prevent similar crises in the future.
Emphasizing the broader economic impact, the KCAA noted that strikes cause millions of dollars in losses, which ultimately translate into higher inflation for the general public. The association reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the government, customs authorities, and the transport community to ensure the uninterrupted flow of trade activities linked to the Karachi Port.