Brazil Soybean Transportation: Truck Rates Continue Increasing

摘要

The first quarter 2008 Brazilian soybean transportation cost index increased 29 percent compared with the 1st quarter 2007. The cost of shipping a metric ton (mt) of soybeans 100 miles by truck increased from $7.63 to $9.87. Truck rates from North Center Parana (the 3rd largest exporting state after Mato Grosso (MT) and Rio Grande do Sul (RS)) to Paranagua rose 80 percent and those from North MT to Santos increased 33 percent. Soybean truck rates were pushed up by the beginning of the soybean harvest, an increase in wheat and corn competition for transportation, deterioration of Brazilian highways, and high fuel prices.