Colombia’s Ministry of Transport has implemented a new tariff regulation for empty container returns under the SICE-TAC framework.
Despite industry efforts, the new regulations became effective earlier this month, meaning that SICE-TAC now accepts manifests only under the Express Transport modality. The previously available Consolidated and Semi-Express options have been eliminated, meaning all empty containers must be dispatched to port under the express scheme. As a result, IAM members with containers unloaded in Colombia on or after July 9 should expect higher transportation costs and longer return lead times as the new tariff structure takes hold.
SICE-TAC stands for Sistema de Información de Costos Eficientes para el Transporte Automotor de Carga (“Efficient Cost Information System for Motor Freight Transport”) and is a technical tool run by Colombia’s Ministry of Transport to calculate all the operating costs a carrier incurs moving a vehicle from an origin to a destination, reflecting the value to be paid.
IAM Member Impact: Members moving household goods or freight through Colombian ports should factor these higher costs and extended timelines into pricing and planning now.