The State Government of Paraná has been investing in a series of structural improvements to increase the capacity for sending goods abroad. Among the state's commitments to strengthen its economy are the expansion of its ports and railways, two measures that should directly impact freight road transportation (TRC).
As Luiz Gustavo Nery, Director of Container and Port Transportation at the Union of Cargo Transport Companies in Paraná (SETCEPAR), explains, the increasing activity at the state's ports has direct effects on the TRC, making the logistics chain more dynamic and requiring greater operational capacity from transport companies. With the expansion of port infrastructure and the modernization of terminals, the volume of goods transported continues an upward trend.
According to the specialist, this scenario opens new opportunities but also poses challenges for carriers. The increase in freight flow requires a better-maintained road network, fleet expansion, availability of qualified drivers, and more integrated logistics with other modes.
Another obstacle that should arise in the second half of this year and impact the TRC is the delivery of the Moegão at the Port of Paranaguá. This structure should increase the simultaneous cargo unloading capacity by 65%, from the current 550 wagons per day to 900.
According to Nery, the railway expansion interferes especially in the flow ofcommoditiesagricultural and large-volume cargoes. According to the specialist, it is possible that the road mode will lose market share in some operations, reducing demand for carriers that traditionally serve this segment. This change does not need to be seen as a threat, but as an opportunity for adaptation and growth within a new logistical scenario.
The director also comments that road transportation can benefit from this transformation by strengthening its integration with railways, taking on a strategic role in first and last mile transportation, connecting producers and railway terminals more efficiently. In this way, instead of losing space, the TRC can evolve and add even more value to the logistics chain.
In accordance with the revitalization strategy, the State Government of Paraná is investing R$6.4 billion to triple the BR-277 highway that connects Curitiba to the Port of Paranaguá, which should improve traffic in the region by up to 20% and reduce travel time, maintenance costs and boost fuel savings.
Still, Nery emphasizes that for the freight transportation road sector to keep up with this growth, it is essential that investments go beyond infrastructure. The qualification of the workforce and the optimization of land logistics processes are essential to ensure 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 more efficient integration with rail transport requires adjustments to transshipment processes and delivery synchronization, while bureaucracy and environmental and labor regulations add more 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 says.
Finally, the specialist states that another expected positive impact of tripling the road 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," concludes Nery.
