Haulage protests across southern Italy have been disrupting transport over the past week, creating potential delays for UK importers and exporters moving goods through the affected areas.

The demonstrations, prompted by rising diesel prices and transport operating costs, have restricted access to roads, ports and distribution centres. Disruption has affected several regions, including Campania, Calabria, Puglia and Sicily, with food deliveries interrupted and fuel shortages adding pressure to local transport networks.

Around Naples and Caserta, queues and temporary restrictions at the A1/A30 motorway junction have complicated freight movements. Difficulties delivering aviation fuel have also affected regional airports.

There are now signs of improvement. Reports on 22 October indicate that Fedralog has suspended its action in Calabria and further blockades have been removed in Sicily. Some roads in Campania have reopened, although the picture remains mixed and businesses should avoid assuming that normal schedules have resumed everywhere.

For UK-bound cargo, delays may arise before goods leave Italian suppliers. Exports travelling in the opposite direction could encounter restricted delivery access or changes to unloading arrangements. Missed connections and disrupted vehicle schedules could also affect onward movements.

Temperature-controlled shipments, fresh food and components needed for production are particularly vulnerable to extended transit times. Even after restrictions ease, backlogs could take time to clear.

Businesses arranging urgent shipments to or from the region should check with the team at Caledonian Freight  about collection and delivery availability, and build flexibility into their plans where possible.