Transport cost in Brazil: the account does not close in 2015!

In the accumulated result for the year, the average price of diesel has already risen from R$ 2,76 to R$ 3,07, that is, more than 11% and continues to rise. In early 2015, the wages paid by drivers rose in the same range as in previous years, that is, around 8%. It is not even necessary to mention the other cost items, which although less relevant for road transport, also accompanied inflation. However, the biggest change in the road freight transport scenario in Brazil was the drop of around 3,3% in demand this year, after successive increases, which is bringing down the result of carriers.

The drop in demand suggests a retraction in freight prices, but as the cost has increased significantly, the account does not close. Thus, executives who hire transportation walk on a “knife's edge”, because on the one hand they suffer internal pressure not to accept the transfer, or at most to accept it partially, but on the other hand they fear the failure or paralysis of the carriers. Carriers, on the other hand, seek to minimize losses or, at best, zero the account. The entire chain is affected and the demand for new trucks is already suffering a 45% drop this year and the participation of the number of self-employed people is expected to increase even more.

The great challenge for companies at this moment is to continue seeking to increase operational efficiency, as a way to reduce their costs, and not fall into the temptation of using only the increase in their bargaining power, resulting from the drop in demand, to lower the price. of freight. The “easy” and “fast” result can be very close to abusive practices, whether in terms of weight or travel time, resulting in the bankruptcy of companies and labor liabilities, which we are all familiar with.