Container lorries carrying cargo to and from V.O.C. Port in Thoothukudi struck work on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: RAJESH N
Around 2,000 container lorries remained off the roads in Thoothukudi on Thursday after the Thoothukudi District Container Lorry Owners’ Association launched an indefinite strike, demanding revision of freight charges and implementation of several operational measures.The V. O. Chidambaranar Port in Thoothukudi handles the import and export of goods through container shipments. To facilitate transport of these containers between the ports and various companies around 2,000 container trucks have been engaged for this work.The striking container lorry owners have demanded that the Thoothukudi port customs agents association implement a revised freight agreement in writing to provide a 30% advance payment for outstation cargo trips, clear freight bills within 15 days, ensure immediate unloading at container yards upon arrival of lorries, and complete the loading and unloading of containers at Berths 8 and 9 within two hours of lorry entering the port.As part of the strike, container lorries were not operated since Thursday morning. Most vehicles remained parked at their respective yards, while some were stationed along the port road.Since no container vessel arrived at the port on Thursday until evening, there was no major disruption. However, lorry owners warned that if the strike continues when container ships arrive, it could result in trade losses worth several crores. They urged the authorities to solve the issue at the earliest. Published - August 06, 2026 07:27 pm IST
