E-commerce has never been stronger, but there’s one detail few consumers notice when completing an online purchase: the journey products take to reach their hands. The carrier that appears in the tracking isn’t always the one making the final delivery. In Brazil, where logistics face challenges of continental distances and complex infrastructure, the freight forwarding has become a key piece to keep deliveries fast and affordable.
The practice of forwarding occurs when a carrier transfers cargo to another company specialized in a specific leg of the delivery. This system allows products from major hubs to reach smaller towns more efficiently and economically. And when it comes to e-commerce, anything that can’t be shipped via the Postal Service — like furniture, appliances, bicycles, and even sofas — relies on this process to be delivered.
“Many people don’t know this, but if you bought a wardrobe from a company in São Paulo and live in the countryside of Mato Grosso, for example, it’s very likely your goods passed through two or three carriers before reaching your home,” explains Célio Martins, new projects manager at Transvias, Brazil’s largest transport guide.
LTL shipments: the secret behind logistic efficiency
Beyond forwarding, one of e-commerce’s greatest allies is LTL (less-than-truckload) shipping. This model allows multiple companies to share the same truck space, optimizing routes and costs. For retailers, it means selling a single sofa to a customer in Manaus can be viable without halting operations due to logistic constraints.
“LTL shipping is a game-changer for small and medium businesses selling online. Where before it was unfeasible to send just one product to another state, today it’s possible because carriers can consolidate shipments and optimize routes,” adds Martins.
Transvias: the compass of road transport in Brazil
While forwarding and LTL shipping are invisible to consumers, for companies in the sector this machinery must work with precision. That’s where Transvias, Brazil’s leading platform connecting carriers and shippers nationwide.
Through the printed and digital Transvias guide, companies can find reliable logistic partners, reducing costs and ensuring faster deliveries. With over 8,000 registered carriers, the service facilitates everything from freight quotes to choosing the best distribution strategy.
“Companies need to think strategically to reduce costs and improve delivery times. Connecting shippers with carriers specialized in the right routes can make all the difference. Forwarding and LTL shipping are fundamental solutions to keep e-commerce moving in Brazil,” concludes Martins.
With the growth of online shopping and increasing demands for fast deliveries, understanding how products reach end consumers is no longer just an operational detail — it’s become a competitive advantage for companies that know how to leverage logistics to their benefit.
