Análise dos custos de frete para o escoamento da soja de Santana do Livramento até o Porto de Rio Grande

Abstract

This case study is an analysis of freight costs for the flow of soybean produced in Santana do Livramento to Rio Grande, from where the commodity is exported. Aiming at the possibility of contributing to regional economic development, especially for the business of producers and local companies in the rural segment, the objective of this research was to identify the best way to transport the commodity to the port of Rio Grande in order to reduce costs. For this, issues related to the conjuncture of the Brazilian and Gaucho logistics infrastructure and its importance with soybeans were addressed, in addition to the impacts of this commodity on the national economy and the international market. Then, comparative freight data between Brazil and the United States were presented, which compete directly in the soybean market. For data collection, interviews were conducted via virtual questionnaires and phone calls with professionals working in companies in the logistics segment of Rio Grande do Sul, including carriers. The mixed approach was used for data analysis. At the end of this study, it was concluded that, for the flow of local soybeans to Rio Grande, road transport is currently the only alternative, because the complementary route of the rail modal is not justified, as it would increase freight costs. However, the Santana do Livramento-Cacequi railway line could be reactivated in the future if there is a significant increase in exportable agricultural production, so that it covers fixed costs to keep it in operation.