The National Customs Service of Chile and all border agencies that perform functions in the New Border Complex "Los Libertadores" are working at maximum speed, anticipating the advance of a new front of bad weather, to achieve the clearing of the wait for trucks that occurred at the entrance to the country, due to a Strike called by Argentine truck drivers in the Uspallata sector in recent days.
On Saturday, June 13, the day the border opened after last week's rainfall, a long line of trucks waited their turn to enter the Andean country.
To make the entry process more efficient, a measure was adopted to segment the trucks, prioritizing those that transport loads with food and basic necessities.
By Tuesday afternoon, more than 3.000 trucks had been dispatched. 800 of them were carrying food and basic necessities to supply the population.
Customs inspectors have been working in extra shifts 24 hours a day to ensure a flow that allows clearance.
The Undersecretary of Finance, Francisco Moreno, indicated that “We are monitoring the operations of the Los Libertadores complex together with Customs. Despite external conditions – such as the truck strike in Argentina and climatic factors – what is remarkable is that both Customs and the other Services that operate in the control of cross-border trade have maintained the operation of the land logistics chain and, therefore, with this, we ensure the supply of products for the citizens.”
Consolidation of the Liberators
Figures from the first months of the year show that the “Los Libertadores” Border Complex is consolidating as the main land gate for this type of traffic, accounting for 46,8% of total truck traffic in the country and 48,8% of cargo traffic.
Regarding the operation of the new Los Libertadores Border Complex, the National Director of Customs indicated that “Despite the pandemic, together with our officials and in particular with the Los Andes Customs Administration, we have made every effort to maintain maximum fluidity in the passage of cargo. We know that winter also affects us, but the Complex is the gateway to the country for a wide variety of food products, vehicles and many goods for daily use in the homes of Chileans, and for this reason, as we have done at all land cargo crossings, we have redoubled the security measures of the officials who work shifts there so as not to interrupt the movement.”
The Administrator of the Los Andes Customs Office, Mariano Gómez, confirmed that since the beginning of the health crisis, its normal operation has been interrupted only when it has been closed for climatic reasons. In fact, during the pandemic period, which runs from March 18 to June 7, Los Libertadores has concentrated 55,32% of the land cargo movement of the entire country.We know that our work there is essential for supply. These days, to overcome the contingency, the new building is operating at full capacity. The products that enter the most through Los Libertadores are meats, large cargo vehicles, oils, dairy products, rice and grains, among others, so maintaining operations is crucial because it directly impacts Chileans.,” the Administrator pointed out.
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