Barge operators have been blockading the main river freight arteries in northern and eastern France in protest at below-cost rates. An agreement on rates was made yesterday between barge owners, freight forwarders and brokers. The barge owners’ union is due to meet government officials to demand the introduction of a minimum rate on large-gauge vessels. River freight volumes in France increased by 7.5% in the first three months of 2010 compared with the same period last year.