Cargill launches rail route to import agricultural inputs via Santos

Cargill has launched a rail transport operation between the Port of Santos (SP) and the state of Mato Grosso. The initiative, carried out in partnership with Brado Logística, combines the shipment of agricultural inputs to the interior of the country with the return of containers loaded with cotton for export.

The first shipment took place in March. The operation is expected to be weekly and may increase in volume in the coming months. The company seeks to serve producers more efficiently, especially in regions where access to fertilizers and pesticides is more challenging. By optimizing logistics flows, Cargill offers products at more competitive prices and reduces carbon emissions during transportation.

According to Rafael Felicissimo, responsible for the container trade lane area at Cargill Brazil, the strategy takes advantage of idle containers used to export commodities to transport inputs on the return route. The measure reduces freight costs, avoids waste and contributes to the sustainability of the agricultural chain.

The operation combines rail transport and multimodal infrastructure. Brado, a partner in the project, contributes its expertise in the sector. According to Marcus Nascimento, executive in the company's agricultural inputs area, the solution offers greater predictability, safety and economic efficiency. “We integrate fertilizers and pesticides into operations, with less environmental impact,” he says.

Danilo Rezende, who leads Cargill's crop protection & seeds division, explains that innovative logistics delivers direct benefits to producers. “We offer inputs at more affordable prices, generating savings for our customers,” he says.