The truck fleet in Brazil is aged 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 Components Industry for Motor Vehicles (Sindipeças). The problem worsens among autonomous truck drivers, whose fleet has an average age of 22.3 years, while in transport companies the average is 10.8 years.
“A reality compromises road safety, logistical efficiency and contributes to the increase in pollutant emissions. And it still harms industries in the segment, such as road implements”, said Osmar Oliveira, CEO and founder of 4Truck, leader in the implements segment. roads to light line.
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 competitiveness of the sector, increasing operational costs with maintenance and fuel consumption, in addition to 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 transport. Associations defend the creation of financing programs with more favorable conditions for small and medium-sized transporters.
“The adoption of measures that promote the acquisition of new trucks could reduce operating costs, increase road safety and reduce the emission of pollutants, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable transport sector”. Oliveira, who is a civil engineer and has been working in the supply and logistics sectors for more than 20 years, says that the lack of lines of credit has made the truck rental market grow, but it still does not solve the issue of fleet aging..
Difficulties in accessing credit lines
The renewal of the fleet comes up against the difficulty of accessing financing. Although there are options such as BNDES Finem, which offers interest rates starting at 1.5% per year for companies, the minimum amount of financing is R$ 40 million, making it impossible to join small carriers. Credit conditions vary according to the financial institution and the client’s profile, making financing inaccessible for many autonomous truck drivers.
In addition to credit difficulties, high interest rates in the market discourage the purchase of new trucks. The high cost of financing makes many carriers choose to keep old vehicles, further aggravating the problem of the aged fleet. Experts argue that government measures, such as programs to encourage fleet renewal at reduced rates, would be essential to boost the sector.
Finally, the new Selic rate, scheduled to come into force on March 19, promises to mess with the pockets of Brazilians. This is because the increase in the rate, despite reducing inflation and improving fixed income investments, makes credit more expensive and can slow down the economy, impacting jobs and consumption.
A sector directly affected is credit. Loans, financing and installments become more expensive, as banks increase interest rates to compensate for the higher cost of money. As a result, vehicle and real estate financing becomes more expensive, discouraging term purchases.
Truck production and sales in Brazil
Despite the challenges, the truck market showed growth in 2024, with the production of 141,300 units, an increase of 40.5% compared to 2023. For 2025, the National Association of Automotive Vehicle Manufacturers (Anfavea) designs a stable production, estimating 169,400 commercial vehicles, including trucks and buses.
With regard to sales, in 2024, 122,099 trucks were licensed, an increase of 17.4% compared to the previous year. For 2025, the National Federation of Automotive Vehicle Distribution (Fenabrave) projects an increase of 4.5%, totaling about 127,593 units sold.
Anyone who buys a new truck is in a hurry to make the purchase revert to earnings. Therefore, 4Truck will deliver dry cargo trunks in just five days this year. All so that the truck doesn’t stand still.
“The initiative comes at a great moment. With the market very competitive and with the high rates and interest rates, we want the autonomous driver or even the transport companies to have their trucks ready as soon as possible so that the business does not stop”, says Osmar Oliveira, from 4Truck.
