The protest follows a similar demonstration in Naples and comes amid mounting frustrations within the sector. Trasportounito has criticised the Italian Ministry of Transport for failing to address critical issues affecting freight mobility, despite the industry’s central role in the country’s economy, where road transport accounts for over 80% of goods movement.
“In one year, or rather throughout 2024, the Minister of Transport has deigned to meet us only twice, and the contents of those meetings—completely insignificant—have confirmed not only the absolute lack of interest and participation, but also the total ignorance of the magnitude of the problems that could lead to a collapse of the mobility of goods in our country,” said Maurizio Longo, Secretary General of Trasportounito.
While discussions have taken place regarding transit restrictions at the Brenner Pass, protest organisers argue that other pressing concerns, such as deteriorating road conditions and a chronic driver shortage, remain largely ignored.
“Faced with a counterpart that perhaps marks the lowest peak in transport management in the history of our country, Italian road haulage companies are being penalised by operating without clear rules, with road safety levels collapsing, all compounded by a now chronic shortage of drivers and deteriorating road infrastructure conditions—creating a national emergency that should never have been reached,” Longo added.