Expansion of ports in Parana should directly impact the Road Transport of Cargo

The State Government of Parana has been investing in a series of structural improvements to expand the capacity to send goods abroad. Among the commitments of the state to strengthen its economy is the expansion of its ports and railways, two measures that should directly impact the road freight transport (TRC).

As explained by Luiz Gustavo Nery, Director of Transport Containers and Ports of the Union of Freight Transport Companies in Parana (SETCEPAR), the growing movement in state ports has direct effects on TRC, making the logistics chain more dynamic and requiring greater operational capacity of carriers. With the expansion of port infrastructure and the modernization of terminals, the volume of transported goods follows a trend of increase. 

According to the expert, this scenario opens new opportunities, but also poses challenges to carriers. The increase in the flow of cargo requires a road network in better conditions, fleet expansion, availability of qualified drivers, and logistics more integrated with other modes. 

Another obstacle that should arise in the second half of this year and impact the TRC is the delivery of Moegao, in the Port of Paranagua. This structure should increase by 65% the capacity of simultaneous landing of cargo by train, which will go from 550 wagons per day, currently, to 900. 

According to Nery, the railway expansion interferes especially in the flow of commodities agricultural and high volume cargoes.According to the expert, it is possible that the road modal loses participation in some operations, reducing the 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 logistics scenario”. 

The director also comments that road transport can benefit from this transformation by strengthening its integration with the railroad, assuming a strategic role in first and last mile transport, connecting producers and railway terminals more efficiently. “In this way, instead of losing space, TRC can evolve and add even more value to the”.

In accordance with the revitalization strategy, the State Government of Parana is investing R$6.4 billion for the triplication of the BR-277 highway that connects Curitiba to the Port of Paranagua, which should improve traffic in the region by 20% and reduce travel time, maintenance expenses and enhance fuel economy.

However, Nery points out that for the road freight transport sector to be able to keep up with this growth, it is essential that investments extend 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 in the transhipment and delivery synchronization processes, 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 expert states that another positive impact expected with the triplication of the road, is the increase in road safety, since the new infrastructure should reduce the risk of accidents and provide better working conditions for drivers. “A more efficient highway makes Parana an even more attractive destination for new investments, boosting the transport sector and the economy of the” region, concludes Nery.