The State Government of Paraná has been investing in a series of structural improvements to expand the capacity for sending goods abroad. Among the state’s commitments to strengthen its economy is the expansion of its ports and railways, two measures that are expected to directly impact truck cargo transportation (TRC).
As explained by Luiz Gustavo Nery, Director of Container Transport and Ports at the Union of Cargo Transport Companies in Paraná (SETCEPAR), the increasing movement in the state’s ports has direct effects on TRC, making the logistics chain more dynamic and requiring greater operational capacity from carriers. With the expansion of port infrastructure and terminal modernization, the volume of transported goods follows an upward trend.
According to the expert, this scenario presents new opportunities, but also poses challenges to carriers. The increase in cargo flow requires a road network in better conditions, fleet expansion, availability of qualified drivers, as well as logistics more integrated with other modes of transportation.
Another obstacle that is expected to arise in the second half of this year and impact TRC is the completion of Moegão, at the Port of Paranaguá. This structure is expected to increase the simultaneous unloading capacity of cargo trains by 65%, which will increase from the current 550 wagons per day to 900.
According to Segundo Nery, railway expansion particularly affects the flow of agricultural commodities and large-volume cargoes. As per the expert, it is possible for the road transportation sector to lose share in some operations, reducing the demand for carriers that traditionally serve this segment. ‘This change doesn’t have to be seen as a threat but as an opportunity for adaptation and growth within a new logistical scenario.’
The director also mentions that road transport can benefit from this transformation by strengthening its integration with the railway, assuming a strategic role in first and last-mile transportation, connecting producers and railway terminals more efficiently. ‘In this way, instead of losing space, road transport can evolve and add even more value to the logistics chain.’
In line with the revitalization strategy, the State Government of Paraná is investing BRL 6.4 billion to triple the BR-277 highway connecting Curitiba to the Port of Paranaguá, which should improve traffic in the region by up to 20% and reduce travel time, maintenance expenses, and fuel economy.
However, Nery emphasizes that for the cargo transportation road sector to keep pace with this growth, it is essential that investments extend beyond infrastructure. Manpower qualification and optimization of land logistics processes are crucial to ensuring competitiveness and the ability to efficiently meet this new demand. Many carriers also face the challenge of expanding their fleets and modernizing their processes to keep up with this evolution.
“The need for a more efficient integration with rail transportation requires adjustments in transshipment processes and delivery synchronization, while bureaucracy and environmental and labor regulations add further complexity to the scenario. Only with innovation and efficiency will it be possible to ensure a more agile and sustainable operational flow to meet the growing demand,” he explains.
Finally, the expert states that another expected positive impact of tripling the track is the increase in road safety, as the new infrastructure should reduce the risk of accidents and provide better working conditions for drivers. “A more efficient highway makes Paraná an even more attractive destination for new investments, boosting the transportation sector and the region’s economy,” Nery concludes.
