The State Government of Paraná has been investing in a series of structural improvements to expand the capacity for shipping goods abroad. Among the state’s commitments to strengthen its economy is the expansion of its ports and railways, two measures that will directly impact road freight transportation (TRC).
As explained by Luiz Gustavo Nery, Director of Container Transport and Ports at the Syndicate of Freight Transport Companies in Paraná (SETCEPAR), the increasing activity in the state’s ports has direct repercussions on TRC, making the logistics chain more dynamic and demanding greater operational capacity from transport companies. With the expansion of port infrastructure and modernization of terminals, the volume of transported goods follows an upward trend.
According to the expert, this scenario opens new opportunities but also poses challenges for transport companies. The increase in cargo flow requires a road network in better condition, fleet expansion, availability of qualified drivers, and a logistics system more integrated with other modes of transport.
Another obstacle expected to arise in the second half of this year and impact TRC is the delivery of Moegão at the Port of Paranaguá. This structure is expected to increase the simultaneous unloading capacity of cargo by rail by 65%, rising from the current 550 daily wagons to 900.
According to Nery, the railway expansion particularly affects the outflow of commodities agricultural commodities and high-volume cargo. As the expert points out, the road modal may lose some of its share in certain operations, reducing demand for transport companies traditionally serving this segment. ‘This change should not be seen as a threat but as an opportunity for adaptation and growth within a new logistics scenario.’
The director further comments that road transport can benefit from this transformation by strengthening its integration with railways, assuming a strategic role in first and last-mile transport, connecting producers and rail terminals more efficiently. ‘This way, instead of losing ground, TRC can evolve and add even more value to the logistics chain.’
In line with the revitalization strategy, the State Government of Paraná is investing R$6.4 billion to triple the BR-277 highway, which connects Curitiba to the Port of Paranaguá. This is expected to improve regional traffic by up to 20%, reduce travel time, lower maintenance costs, and enhance fuel efficiency.
However, Nery emphasizes that for the road freight transport sector to keep up with this growth, investments must extend beyond infrastructure. Workforce qualification and optimization of land logistics processes are essential to ensure competitiveness and the ability to efficiently meet this new demand. Many transport companies also face the challenge of expanding their fleets and modernizing their processes to keep pace with this evolution.
‘The need for more efficient integration with rail transport requires adjustments in transshipment processes and delivery synchronization, while bureaucracy and environmental and labor regulations add further complexity to the scenario. Only through innovation and efficiency can we 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 highway is increased road safety, as the new infrastructure should reduce accident risks and provide better working conditions for drivers. ‘A more efficient highway makes Paraná an even more attractive destination for new investments, boosting the transport sector and the regional economy,’ concludes Nery.
