The truck fleet in Brazil 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 the Automotive Components Industry (Sindipeças). The problem worsens among autonomous truck drivers, whose fleet has an average age of 22.3 years, while in transportation companies the average is 10.8 years.
"A reality compromises road safety, logistical efficiency, and contributes to increased pollutant emissions. It also harms industries in the sector, such as the road equipment industry," 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 Confederation of Transport (CNT), with an average age of 15 years. This aging directly impacts the sector's competitiveness, increasing operational costs with maintenance and fuel consumption, as well as reducing road safety.
For the founder of 4TRUCK, the renewal of the truck fleet in Brazil requires the implementation of public policies that facilitate access to credit and encourage the modernization of road transportation. Associations advocate for the creation of financing programs with more favorable conditions for small and medium carriers.
The adoption of 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 transportation sector. Oliveira, who is a civil engineer and has been working for over 20 years in the supply and logistics sectors, states that the lack of credit lines has increased the truck rental market, but it still does not solve the issue of fleet aging.
Difficulties in accessing credit lines
Fleet renewal is hindered by the difficulty in accessing financing. Although there are options such as BNDES Finem, which offers interest rates starting at 1.5% per year for companies, the minimum financing amount is R$ 40 million, making it unfeasible for small transporters to participate. Credit conditions vary depending on the financial institution and the client's profile, making financing inaccessible to many self-employed truck drivers.
In addition to credit difficulties, high interest rates in the market discourage the purchase of new trucks. The high cost of financing causes many carriers to choose to keep old vehicles, further worsening the problem of the aging fleet. Specialists argue that government measures, such as incentive programs for fleet renewal with reduced rates, would be essential to boost the sector.
Finally, the new Selic rate, scheduled to take effect on March 19, promises to impact Brazilians' wallets. This is because the increase in the rate, although it reduces inflation and improves fixed income investments, makes credit more expensive and can slow down the economy, impacting jobs and consumption.
A directly affected sector is the credit sector. Loans, financing, and installment plans become more expensive because banks raise interest rates to compensate for the higher cost of money. As a result, vehicle and real estate financing become more expensive, discouraging installment purchases.
Production and sales of trucks in Brazil
Despite the challenges, the truck market showed growth in 2024, with the production of 141,300 units, a 40.5% increase compared to 2023. For 2025, the National Association of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (Anfavea) projects stable production, estimating 169,400 commercial vehicles, including trucks and buses.
Regarding sales, in 2024, 122,099 trucks were registered, a 17.4% increase compared to the previous year. For 2025, the National Federation of Motor Vehicle Distribution (Fenabrave) projects an increase of 4.5%, totaling around 127,593 units sold.
Whoever buys a new truck is eager to make the purchase turn into profits. Therefore, 4TRUCK will deliver dry cargo boxes in just five days this year. Everything to prevent the truck from stopping.
"The initiative comes at a great time. With a highly competitive market and rising rates and interest, we want autonomous drivers or even transportation companies to have their trucks ready as quickly as possible so that business does not stop," says Osmar Oliveira from 4TRUCK.
