The result is part of the 2024 edition of the 'Profile of Logistics Operators', study promoted by ABOL. Among the news, information on how these companies deal with issues such as decarbonization and port and airport infrastructure. Billing data, investments, innovation and job creation were also mapped
With significant improvement, the Logistics Operators (LOs) operating in Brazil recorded, in 2023, Gross Operating Revenue (GOR) of R$192 billion, about 15% more than what was recorded in 2021, the last time the amount was calculated and it was R$166 billion. The current value is equivalent to almost 2% of GDP and 17% of the country's transportation and storage costs, that total R$1,1 trillion. 76% of companies reported an increase in revenue
These and other numbers are part of the 2024 edition of the 'Profile of Logistics Operators', study promoted since 2014, every two years, by the Brazilian Association of Logistics Operators (ABOL) and commissioned to the Institute of Logistics and Supply Chain (ILOS). The material analyzes the performance of the operators and reveals, yet, details about the importance, evolution, challenges and aspirations of the sector
Among the news, there is information about the decarbonization journey of companies and their perception of Brazilian port and airport infrastructures. Revenue data, investments, innovation and job creation are part of the mapping and showed growth
The research estimated a universe of 1.300 companies, since childhood, medium and large sizes, that met specified prerequisites, how the National Classification of Economic Activities (CNAE) and services offered. From this, 127 operators, among them, the members of ABOL, collaborated directly with the material. Together, they represent 40% of the sector's revenue
Collection, work and investments
In the period, the OLs raised R$ 43 billion in taxes. When compared to the total taxes collected in Brazil, the OLs were responsible for 0,5%, 1,1% and 0,7% of the maximum collected by municipal spheres, state and federal, respectively. Furthermore, were responsible for about 2,3 million direct and indirect jobs, with the majority under the CLT regime, last year
The collected data reinforces the relevance of logistics operators not only for the continuous evolution of the service modality in Brazil, but also for the development of the national economy. This representation is evident in the investments made in 2023, that reached R$20 billion, highlights the executive director of ABOL, Marcella Cunha
In 2023, 68% of the OLs increased their investments compared to the amount injected in 2022. In 2021, the percentage was 59% compared to the previous year. The focus of the OLs was on software (83%)
Infrastructure works received capital from 78% of the responding operators and rank second in the investment ranking. Soon after comes the acquisition of new machines or equipment, by 69%
Amid the new projects, the OLs felt the impact of the increase in fuel prices in 2023, also noted in the previous edition. Other expenses with relevant increases were: labor, equipment and road transport, all with an increase considered medium or high by more than 60% of the operators. In general, 75% did not pass on the increase in costs to the service price
"It is not new that the OLs dodge the rise in fuel prices", that always represents a significant portion of your operating costs, and have been seeking alternatives to avoid significant losses. When it comes to investments, the constant technological evolution has a direct impact, Since operators need to keep up with trends, increasing productivity and maintaining competitiveness, highlights Marcella
Decarbonization
With attention to mitigating the impacts of its operations on the environment, Faced with a scenario in which 13% of greenhouse gas emissions are made by the transport sector, 94% of Logistics Operators already have a department responsible for sustainability-related issues
The LAGs with the greatest progress on this issue (39%) have clear goals and objectives and the responsible area has a defined budget. Another 23% also already have a sector with indicators, but still without budgetary definition
When it comes to decarbonisation, the average target for carbon footprint reduction is 37% in up to eight years. For companies looking to shrink by 100%, the term would be between 20 and 26 years. Compliance with the stipulated periods is aligned with initiatives such as reducing the average age of the fleet (55%), optimisation of the logistics network (47%) and routing (47%). Measures already adopted include the use of electric vehicles and the use of renewable energy, with 41% and 53% of companies betting on these solutions, respectively
The search for other fuel sources is also part of the OLs' plans within the ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance. Electricity for vehicles, as pointed out by 39% of the companies consulted, had the preference. Other sources in use are ethanol (33%) and LNG (26%). Both have low carbon emissions and more gas stations scattered across the country.
There's also biogas., green diesel, liquefied natural gas and green hydrogen, used by less than 10% of operators, but with great potential to develop in the medium and long term. The majority of OLs (63%) stated that they fully absorb the costs of reducing emissions, without any transfer to the final price of their services
"A ABOL has actively participated in this process through the ESG group, that for almost 3 years has been developing important actions and projects to directly contribute to the decarbonization journey of each member, once we realized that the OLs were at different stages of maturity. We managed to have all of them align based on the construction of their materiality matrix and emissions inventory. Now, they know exactly which problems and challenges they must face when it comes to ESG and, especially, GHG emissions. Together, we seek the best solutions and provide subsidies so that they can decide which path to take. Until December, for example, we will deliver to the affiliates the pilot project 'Inventory of Emissions of ABOL Associates'. We are also closely monitoring the regulation of the Brazilian 'Carbon Market', in progress in the National Congress, just like the 'Future Fuels Bill', that encourages the development of technologies and less polluting alternatives, reports to the director
Scope
Where are the logistics operators that operate in the national territory? Of the total OLs, 47% operate in all five Brazilian regions at the same time and 40% have international participation, revealing an increase over the past few years in the regional operations of companies. In 2022, 37% were present in all Brazilian regions. Since the 2020 edition of the survey, the highs went from 25% to 51% in the North, from 43% to 69% in the Northeast, from 37% to 70% in the Midwest, from 63% to 76% in the South and from 92% to 94% in the Southeast
The largest companies are those with a broader geographic reach: 81% of them are present in all regions. On the other hand, the smaller OLs are those with a more regional operation, with a good part positioning themselves as specialists in local markets. On average, each one operates 19 facilities, like warehouses, CDs, Transit Points and cross docking. However, 64% of the survey participants guaranteed that they are increasing this number
Industries served
With the increase in the geographical position of the OLs, the segments of the economy served also grew. In 2024, the survey revealed that operators work in more than 20 different sectors, positioning itself in various links of the supply chain. Each one has, on average, clients from nine different industries. At the top of the list is the beverage sector, with 72%, 14% increase compared to 2022. Next, Automotive and Auto Parts, with 70% and a 13% expansion in the last two years. In third place are cosmetics, with 66% and an increase of 2%
Port and airport infrastructure
The 2024 edition of the 'Profile of Logistics Operators' brings, for the first time, the companies' positioning in relation to the country's port and airport infrastructures in a slightly deeper manner. In the case of the ports, the operators understand that structural improvements are necessary, so that only 18% do not point out logistical bottlenecks in operations
The OLs also highlighted the existence of potential opportunities for improvement in airport infrastructure for cargo transport. The survey reveals that 26% observe a lack of availability for cargo at Brazilian airports. When analyzing domestic air routes, of the 46% that operate in this mode, only 6% of respondents characterize them as excellent
