Brazil’s truck fleet is aging and faces significant challenges for renewal. In 2023, the average age of trucks in the country was 12.2 years, according to data from the National Union of Automotive Vehicle Components Manufacturers (Sindipeças). The problem worsens among independent truckers, whose fleet has an average age of 22.3 years, while transportation companies average 10.8 years.
“This reality compromises road safety, logistics efficiency, and contributes to increased pollutant emissions. It also harms industries in the sector, such as road equipment manufacturing,” said Osmar Oliveira, CEO and founder of 4TRUCK, a leader in the light-duty road equipment segment.
Currently, approximately 2.2 million trucks circulate in Brazil, according to the National Transport Confederation (CNT), with an average age of 15 years. This aging directly impacts the sector’s competitiveness, increasing operational costs for maintenance and fuel consumption, while also reducing road safety.
For 4TRUCK’s founder, renewing Brazil’s truck fleet requires implementing public policies that facilitate access to credit and encourage modernization of road transport. Associations advocate for creating financing programs with more favorable conditions for small and medium-sized transporters.
“Adopting measures that promote the acquisition of new trucks could reduce operational costs, increase road safety, and decrease pollutant emissions, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable transport sector.” Oliveira, a civil engineer with over 20 years of experience in supplies and logistics sectors, states that the lack of credit lines has grown the truck leasing market but still doesn’t solve the fleet aging issue.
Difficulties accessing credit lines
Fleet renewal faces challenges in accessing financing. Although options like BNDES Finem exist, offering interest rates starting at 1.5% per year for companies, the minimum financing amount is R$40 million, making it unfeasible for small transporters. Credit conditions vary by financial institution and client profile, making financing inaccessible for many independent truckers.
In addition to credit difficulties, high market interest rates discourage the purchase of new trucks. The high financing cost leads many transporters to keep older vehicles, further worsening the aging fleet problem. Experts argue that government measures, such as fleet renewal incentive programs with reduced rates, would be essential to boost the sector.
Finally, the new Selic rate, set to take effect on March 19, promises to impact Brazilians’ pockets. This is because the rate increase, while reducing inflation and improving fixed-income investments, makes credit more expensive and could slow down the economy, affecting jobs and consumption.
One sector directly affected is credit. Loans, financing, and installments become more expensive as banks increase interest rates to compensate for higher money costs. As a result, vehicle and real estate financing becomes more expensive, discouraging installment purchases.
Production and sales of trucks in Brazil
Despite challenges, the truck market showed growth in 2024, with production of 141,300 units, a 40.5% increase compared to 2023. For 2025, the National Association of Automotive Vehicle Manufacturers (Anfavea) projects stable production, estimating 169,400 commercial vehicles, including trucks and buses.
Regarding sales, 122,099 trucks were registered in 2024, a 17.4% growth compared to the previous year. For 2025, the National Federation of Automotive Vehicle Distributors (Fenabrave) projects a 4.5% increase, totaling approximately 127,593 units sold.
Those who buy a new truck are in a hurry to turn their purchase into gains. That’s why 4TRUCK will deliver dry cargo boxes in just five days this year. All so the truck doesn’t stay idle.
“The initiative comes at a great time. With a highly competitive market and rising rates and interest, we want independent drivers and even transport companies to have their trucks ready as quickly as possible so business doesn’t stop,” says Osmar Oliveira of 4TRUCK.
