Trucks connect every corner of this vast country, ensuring that no region is left behind. It’s a story of logistics, yes – but also of national integration and economic lifeblood. What’s next for this critical sector? We asked its representative body, IRU member NTC&Logística.
Road freight is the backbone of Brazilian logistics, responsible for transporting over 65% of all goods, by volume, moved within the country.
To explore what lies ahead, we spoke with Danilo Guedes, NTC&Logística’s Vice President of International Affairs, who shared insights on the key challenges and emerging opportunities facing the sector.
What is the role of road freight in Brazil?
In a big country like Brazil, with significant regional disparities in transport infrastructure, trucks stand out for their versatility, flexibility and agility in serving diverse production chains – from agribusiness and hydrocarbons to e-commerce and pharmaceuticals.
The sector connects urban and rural areas, supplying small, medium and large cities. It is essential for the well-functioning of the economy and national integration. More than just a logistical link, the road transport sector is a driver of social and economic development, directly employing millions and supporting a wide range of services.
What are the main challenges and opportunities facing the industry?
Among the main challenges are the high cost of diesel, deteriorating infrastructure, especially highways, complex border-crossing processes hindering Brazilian transport operators from expanding their services internationally, cargo theft, and a complex and burdensome tax environment.
There are also regulatory and environmental hurdles, difficulties accessing credit and renewing fleets, all of which hinder competitiveness. Legal uncertainty around labour issues and economic instability are further concerns.
On the positive side, the sector is undergoing transformation: the digitalisation of logistics chains, new technologies, growing environmental, social and governance (ESG) best practice adoption, and management professionalisation are creating opportunities for efficiency gains. There is also room for progress in multimodal projects, public-private partnerships in infrastructure, and institutional strengthening, including initiatives led by NTC&Logística.
What are NTC’s priorities for the coming years?
NTC&Logística aims to strengthen the sector in a sustainable and integrated manner. Key priorities include:
- Active political and institutional engagement, advocating for economic reform, tax simplification, and improved regulatory frameworks
- Security and infrastructure initiatives to reduce cargo theft and improve highways
- Operational cost management and economic sustainability together with the Department of Operational Costs and Economic Research, monitoring diesel prices and proposing fairer tariffs
- Innovation and technology to boost efficiency and promote sustainability
- Leadership development and business succession, through initiatives like the Commission of Young Entrepreneurs in the Road Freight Transport Sector (COMJOVEM)
- Grassroots engagement with events like the NTC&Logística Itinerant Seminar, promoting integration and training across Brazil
- International integration, expanding relations with neighbouring countries and strengthening international road transport operations, including the promotion of the TIR system
What is the Bioceanic Corridor?
The Bioceanic Corridor is an international route that will link Brazil to the Pacific Ocean via Paraguay, northern Argentina, and Chile.
It offers a strategic alternative to traditional Atlantic routes, shortening distances and opening new export opportunities, particularly from Brazil’s Central-West region.
For international freight transport, the corridor brings a leap in competitiveness. It reduces logistical costs and transit times, enhancing Brazil’s role in global supply chains, especially for commodities, meat, minerals, and manufactured goods.
The Bioceanic Corridor is also expected to attract investment, generate jobs, and boost logistics and industrial hubs along its route, fostering regional integration and international cooperation.
How can we maximise the Bioceanic Corridor’s potential?
To fully realise its potential, progress is needed in three crucial areas: infrastructure, regulation, and operational integration.
Harmonising customs procedures and simplifying border bureaucracy is key, as delays and inconsistent standards persist. Integrated inspection points and the adoption of tracking and monitoring technologies will be vital for secure, efficient transport. Investment in support infrastructure – rest areas, logistics hubs, customs terminals, and workforce training – is also essential.
In this context, the adoption of the TIR Convention is a critical strategic step. The global TIR system enables goods to move under a simplified regime, with minimal border checks and without opening sealed cargo, significantly reducing costs, delays and logistical risks. Its implementation along the Bioceanic Corridor would bring predictability, speed and competitiveness, allowing Brazilian operators to expand their activities internationally.
Success depends on coordinated efforts between governments and the private sector. Ongoing dialogue with carriers, shippers and operators is necessary to create practical solutions and ensure the corridor benefits companies of all sizes.
How can NTC and IRU contribute to COP30?
The upcoming COP30 in Belém, Brazil, is an opportunity for the road transport sector to reassert its commitment to global sustainability and show its capacity to meet new environmental demands.
NTC&Logística is actively engaged in discussions led by the National Confederation of Transport, contributing to a strategic agenda for Brazil’s participation, focused on the themes most relevant to logistics and transport.
Under the leadership of our President Eduardo Rebuzzi, we have intensified our focus on climate issues, recognising that the sector’s future is inherently linked to sustainable development.
As part of this strategy, NTC&Logística has created a Vice President position for ESG Affairs, led by businesswoman Joyce Bessa, to structure concrete actions, encourage best practices, and provide institutional leadership in this area.
IRU is a strategic ally in this effort. Its international reach, cooperation with multilateral organisations, and expertise in sustainable transport make it a key partner to amplify the sector’s voice at COP30.
Together, IRU and NTC&Logística can offer technical proposals, highlight efficient and pragmatic solutions, advocate for balanced public policies, and demonstrate that road transport is actively contributing to the climate solution.
We are ready to showcase the transformative role of Brazilian road transport in building a greener, more modern, and competitive future.