San Juanico Bridge Load Limit Threatens Goods Prices
CEBU CITY – The recently imposed load limit on the San Juanico Bridge, the vital 2.16-kilometer link between Samar and Leyte, is raising alarms about possible price hikes for basic goods. Business sectors warn that this restriction is disrupting the flow of deliveries across the Visayas and Mindanao regions.
Israel Alin, president of the Visayas United Truckers Association Inc. (VUTAI), highlighted how the load limit on San Juanico Bridge is affecting timely transport. “With that, the trucking sectors are gonna charge extra due to the queuing and the expenses are higher than before. So what is happening there has a big effect,” Alin shared.
Delivery Delays and Rising Costs
Alin, who also heads Alin Cargo Express, explained that the structural concerns prompting the load limit have led to longer queues and slower shipments. Truckers face higher operational costs, which could translate to increased prices for consumers.
To counter this, the trucking industry is exploring alternative routes and solutions to ease the impact. “Finding diversion routes is one of the measures that truckers has considered,” Alin said during the launch of the Alin Cargo Express Franchise.
Alternative Transport and Urgent Repairs
Moreover, roll-on, roll-off cargo vessels have been commissioned as an alternative for trucks crossing between Samar and Leyte. This method aims to bypass the bridge limitations and maintain the supply chain’s momentum.
VUTAI remains hopeful that authorities will promptly repair the San Juanico Bridge to restore its full capacity. Such action is critical to preventing further economic strain in the region, local sources noted.
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