1

United States Department of Agriculture

Brazil Soybean Transportation

a quarterly publication of the Agricultural Marketing Service 

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis

Second Quarter 2019 (April, May, June)

Published September 19, 2019

INFRASTRUCTURE TRANSPORTATION UPDATE

Investment Partnership Program (PPI): selected 

infrastructure project priorities that facilitate exports of 

agricultural products 

On February 1, 2019, the Brazilian government announced the 

infrastructure priorities for President Bolsonaro’s Administration (ANTT, 

PPI, and CNT):

1. The North-South (EF-151) Railroad: Porto National, Tocantins (TO)

to Estrela d’Oeste, São Paulo (SP). Once completed, this railroad will

integrate four States: TO, Goiás (GO), Minas Gerais (MG), and SP with

access to the northeastern port of Itaquí-Sâo Luis, in the state of

Maranhão (MA) and the southern port of Santos in the state of São

Paulo (SP), the largest Brazilian exporting port.

Current Status: On July 31, 2019, the Brazilian government signed a 

30-year concession for Rumo S.A. to operate and maintain the 953

mile (1,537 km) southern section of the North-South Railroad—from

Estrela d’Oeste (SP) to Porto Nacional (TO). Rumo S.A. has the rights

to operate services to and from the ports of Itaquí-Sâo Luis and

Santos. The concession covers agreements with MRS Logística, the

operator of the northern section of Ferrovia Norte Sul VLI, Carajás

Railroad and Ferrovia Transnordestina Logística. Rumo S.A. also has

the right to use unused rail capacity with Vale to haul 14 million

metric tons of grain to the port of Itaquí-Sâo Luis.1

The southern section is divided in two segments with a broad gauge 

of 63 inches (1.60 meters). Segment I: 530 miles (855 km) from Porto 

Nacional (TO) to Anápolis (GO) is finished and is expected to be 

operational by the end of this year. Segment II: 423 miles (682 km) 

from Anápolis to Estrela d’Oeste is about 95 percent completed. 

1Vale is a Brazilian multinational corporation engaged in metals and mining and one of the 

largest logistics operators in Brazil 

Contents

Infrastructure Transportation 

Update 1

Brazil Soybean Transportation 

Indicators 10

Contact Information: 22

Data Sets 22

Subscription Information 22

Related Website 22

Preferred Citation 22
2

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Under the terms of the concession, Rumo S.A. has two years to finish the work before operations are due 

to start in 2021.Under the terms of the concession Rumo S.A. has two years to finish the works before 

operations are due to start in 2021. 

2. The West-East Integration (FIOL) Railroad (EF-334): Ilhéus (BA) to Figueirópolis (TO). Extension: 947 miles 

(1,527 km). 

This railway project aims to connect the soybean production plants in the west of Bahia state (BA) to the 

ports in the east. It is divided in three segments:

Current Status: Segment I: Ilhéus (BA) – Caietité (BA), 333 miles (537 km), of which more than 76 percent 

have been completed; Segment II: Caetité (BA) – Barreiras (BA), 301 miles (485 km), about 28 percent has 

been completed; and Segment III: Barreiras (BA) – Figueirópolis (TO), 314 miles (505 km). Currently the 

project is being studied. The estimated cost for segments I and II is $1.6 billion (R$6.4 billion).2 

3. Ferrogrão Railroad (EF - 170) Railroad: The purpose is to consolidate the new Brazilian export rail corridor 

of the “Arco Norte” by connecting the grain-producing region of the Center West to the State of Pará, ending at 

Miritituba Port. The EF-170 is expected to increase transport capacity and competitiveness within the corridor 

and alleviate traffic conditions on highway BR-163 by serving as an alternative route for soybean and corn 

exports. The estimated cost of the project is $3.4 billion (R$ 14 billion). The concession is for 65 years. Public 

hearings and technical studies are complete.

Current status: The Brazilian government plans to announce the tender offer and request bids for the 

concession during the first quarter of 2020 and begin operating in 2028.

4. BR-163: The distance by truck from Sorriso, in the state of Mato Grosso (MT) (Brazil’s largest oilseed and 

grain producing state), to Miritituba is 663 miles (1,067 km), via BR-163. Currently, it takes 3 days to ship 

grain to Miritituba because of the poor condition of the last unpaved miles of BR-163, connecting Sorriso to 

Miritituba. 

Current status: The pavement of the last 28 miles (43 km) of BR-163, connecting Sorriso to Miritituba is 

divided in 2 segments. Segment I: The Army Engineer Construction Batallion (BEC) will complete paving the 

last 25 miles (40 kilometers) by December 2019. Segment II: A private company will finish paving of 2 miles 

(3 km) by the end of September 2019. The estimated cost is $615 million (R$ 2.5 billion) (CNT). 

While construction on BR-163 continues, the Brazilian government is conducting daily inspections and 

maintenance of unpaved trouble spots on BR-163 within the state of Pará (PA). This is called Operation 

Radar II. In this way, the new Bolsonaro Administration reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating the flow of 

grain exports from Mato Grosso to the Amazon ports. 

Port of Paranaguá 

The port of Paranaguá is Brazil’s second largest soybean exporting port, after Santos. In 2018, it exported 

more than 19 million tons of agricultural commodities including soybeans, corn, and soybean meal. The 

2 Exchange rate of R$4.0631 per U.S. dollar, August 20, 2019.
3

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Administration of the Public Company Portos do Paraná (APPA) and the Associação dos Terminais do Corredor 

de Exportação de Paranaguá (ATEXP) are working to improve the port’s infrastructure to increase export 

capacity. The projects are: 

Improved rail access to port terminals: Currently, railcars and trucks unload at the same location, slowing 

down port operations. The port authorities, in partnership with Rumo S.A., will build a separate rail 

unloading facility and modernize the railcar and locomotive fleet. Daily truck inflow to the port will be 

reduced by 700 trucks per day, but railcar deliveries will increase by 532 per day. This would increase the 

grain rail modal share of exports from 30 to 50 percent.

Overhaul old conveyor belts: The installation of six new conveyor belts will increase ocean vessels’ loading 

speed to 4,000 tons/hour per berth, increasing productivity and work safety, and improving environmental 

practices.

Improve truck terminals: The loading capacity of truck terminals will be increased to receive larger trucks 

with 9 axles, carrying 47 tons of cargo. Currently, the terminals receive trucks with 7 axles, carrying 37 tons 

of cargo. 

Increased truck screening yard capacity: The screening yard capacity for truck scheduling will be increased 

from 1,000 to 1,400 trucks per day for loading cargo at the port.

Refurbishment of port access road: A deteriorated portion, 1.8 miles (2.9 km), one of the main access 

roads into the port, Bento Rocha Avenue, will be repaved and new vertical and horizontal road signs will be 

installed. The project is ongoing and is expected to be completed by December 2019. The amount invested 

was $3.91 million (R$ 15.9 million).

Brazilian Minimum Freight Rates Law

On February 7, 2019, the Brazilian Supreme Court reinstated the National Land Transportation Agency’s (ANTT) 

authority to issue fines to anyone who does not pay the mandatory minimum freight rate. The fines will 

remain in place until the Supreme Court issues its ruling on the constitutionality of the law 13.703/18, which 

was issued on August 9, 2018.3 There is no indication when the ruling will be made. The law allows the ANTT 

to set minimum rate for trucking freight across the country, which reflect total transportation operating costs 

including fuel costs, distance traveled, tolls, and other factors (Confederação Nacional do Transporte (CNT) 

and AgriCensus). The minimum rates include a charge on return trips, even if the truck is empty. Truckers are 

forbidden to negotiate contracts below the ANTT minimum. The law requires truck freight prices to be equal to 

or above minimum prices set by the ANTT. Rates are published twice a year, on January 20 and July 20.4 

At the beginning of the year, the ANTT contracted the Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz” 

(ESALQ-LOG) to update the methodology and the minimum freight rate table, and to analyze the economic 

3 The ruling came after organizations, opposing these minimum mandatory rates, challenged the constitutionality of the law, to Brazil’s 

Supreme Court. The minimum freight rates policy was implemented in June 2018, by the former President Michel Temer’s Administration, as a 

concession to the trucking industry to end an 11-day nationwide strike in late May.

4 The frequency with which rates will be published changes if the price of diesel fluctuates more than 10 percent from the set minimum price 

(USDA, FAS, Gain Report BR1812). If the rates are not published within the identified timeframe, the previous period’s truck freight rates—

updated by IPCA (wide consumer price index)—will be valid. 
4

Brazil Soybean Transportation

and regulatory impacts of the law.5 In April, ANTT published a new version of the minimum freight rate table 

for consultation and public hearing. On July 18, 2019, the new version of the minimum freight table was 

published. The new rates introduced more significant variables into calculations, showing 11 different types 

of cargos with more precise minimum fees per kilometer transported, including number of axels, distance 

traveled, loading and unloading time of the truck, depreciation cost of the vehicle, remuneration of the 

truck driver and taxes, as well as tolls that must be paid. The ANTT held five public hearings across Brazil and 

received more than 500 comments as part of the process. After announcing a new version three days earlier, 

the ANTT temporarily suspended the new minimum freight price, on July 22, 2019, after it created a surge of 

truck drivers’ protests. 

Current Status: The ANTT plans to continue working on the methodology of the minimum freight rate 

table. On August 29, 2019, the Supreme Court announced that it was postponing the hearings on the 

constitutionality of the law scheduled for September 4 (g1.globo.com). There is no indication when the ruling 

will be made. 

New Center-West Barge Brazilian Soybean Export Route

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and the ESALQ-LOG Group expanded the scope of the AMS quarterly 

Brazil Soybean Transportation indicator reports by adding two intermodal, truck-barge, export route through 

Itaituba/Miritituba barge terminal. These routes head through to the “Arco Norte” ports of Santarem and 

Barcarena to Shanghai, China, and Hamburg, Germany (figures 1, 2, and tables 1a, 2a, 5, 6, 7, and 9). Grain 

is transported 672 miles by truck from Sorriso, in the state of Mato Grosso (MT) to the Itaituba/Miritituba 

(PA) barge terminal on the Tapajós River. From there it continues 224 nautical miles (nm) to Santarém on the 

Amazon River, and 738 (nm) to Barcarena on the Pará River. 

The revamped Brazil Soybean Transportation indicator report now includes 37 export routes through the 

Ports of Santos, Paranaguá, Rio Grande, Santarém, São Luís, and Barcarena to Shanghai, China, and Hamburg, 

Germany. It also includes 22 regions in 11 States, representing 80 percent of the total 2017 Brazilian soybean 

production (figure 1 and table 7). Truck freight rates correspond to actual values negotiated between shippers 

and carriers, including tolls, but excluding insurance and taxes. 

In Brazil there are no public/official barge freight and tariff rail rates. Rail rates are approximately 30 percent 

lower than truck rates and barge freight rates are about 60 percent lower than truck rates, depending on 

volumes hauled and the terms of contracts signed between the rail/barge company and shippers (ESALQ-LOG, 

2019). The ocean freight rates from the “Sistema de Informações de Fretes, SIFRECA, ESALQ – USP” correspond 

to actual values negotiated between shippers and carriers, but do not include insurance and handling costs. 

These rates are averaged according to the weight of the shipped volume. 

5 On January 1, 2019, the ANTT and a Fundação de Estudos Agrários Luiz de Queiroz – FEALQ signed a 21 months contract to update the 

methodology and the minimum freight rate table.
5

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Map of Brazilian Northern 

Arc barge routes ports that 

includes: Itacoatiara/Manaus 

(Amazon River), Santarém 

(Amazon River), Barcarena 

(Pará River), Porto Velho 

(MT) and Miritituba (PA) 

(barge terminals) and Marabá 

(planned barge terminal).

Figure 1. The Northern Arc barge routes

Figure 1 shows the Northern Arc ports complex that includes: Itacoatiara/Manaus (Amazon River), Santarém 

(Amazon River), Barcarena (Pará River), Porto Velho (Rondonia) and Miritituba (PA) (barge terminals) and 

Marabá (planned barge terminal). 

Weak Export Demand Lowers Prices and Transportation Costs During Brazilian Soybean 

Harvest Season

During the 2nd quarter of 2019, lower export volumes and prices decreased soybean export transportation 

demand. Brazilian soybean exports declined 14 percent to 28.1 million metric ton (mmt), compared with 

33 mmt exported in the second quarter 2018 (Secretariat of Foreign Trade (SECEX), MDIC). Soybean exports 

to China declined 20 percent due to an epidemic of African swine fever that reduced the country’s hog herd. 

China accounts for three quarters of total Brazilian soybean exports.

Average soybean export prices decreased to $349 per metric ton (mt) from $434 at the same time last year. 

The cost of shipping a metric ton of soybeans 100 miles by truck decreased by nearly 25 percent (on average) 

to $6.94 per mt in 2019’s second quarter, from $9.21 at the same time last year (table 8). On average, ocean 

rates decreased nearly 15 percent to Hamburg and 7 percent to Shanghai. According to Drewry Maritime 

Research, during the first half of 2019, new vessel deliveries increased global dry bulk capacity, resulting in an 

excess vessel supply that kept ocean rates low (Grain Transportation Report, July 25, 2019). 

For more information, contact Delmy L. Salin at delmy.salin@usda.gov, Abner Matheus João at 

abner.joao@usp.br, and Fernando Pauli de Bastiani at fernando.bastani@usp.br, (ESALQ-LOG researchers).

Source: Hidrovias do Brasil

Modified by USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
6

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 1. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the southern ports to 

Shanghai, China

2018 

2nd qtr

2019 

2nd qtr

% Change 

2018-2019

2018 

2nd qtr

2019 

2nd qtr

% Change 

2018-2019

North MT1 - Santos2 

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 101.44 73.96 -27.1 31.29 24.86 -20.5

Ocean 31.00 30.92 -0.3 31.50 30.25 -4.0

Total transportation 132.44 104.88 -20.8 62.79 55.11 -12.2

Farm gate price3 323.46 271.70 -16.0 343.90 294.72 -14.3

Landed cost 455.90 376.58 -17.4 406.68 349.83 -14.0

Transport % of landed cost 29.1 27.8 -4.1 15.4 15.8 2.0

North MT1 - Santos2

BY RAIL

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

Truck 32.93 26.49 -19.6 99.91 72.82 -27.1

Rail4 43.89 31.39 -28.5 - - -

Ocean 31.00 30.92 -0.3 32.00 31.42 -1.8

Total transportation 107.82 88.80 -17.6 131.91 104.24 -21.0

Farm gate price3 323.46 271.70 -16.0 323.46 271.70 -16.0

Landed cost 431.28 360.50 -16.4 455.37 375.94 -17.4

Transport % of landed cost 25.0 24.6 -1.5 29.0 27.7 -4.3

1

Producing regions: RS = Rio Grande Do Sul, MT= Mato Grosso, GO = Goiás

2

Export ports

3

Source: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB) www.conab.gov.br

4

Note: In Brazil there are no public/official rail tariff rates. Rail rates can be approximately 30 percent lower than truck rates, depending on 

volumes hauled and the terms of contracts signed between the railroad company and shippers

Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS.
7

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 1a. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the northern and 

northeastern ports to Shanghai, China

2018 

2nd qtr

2019 

2nd qtr

% Change 

2018-2019

2018

2nd qtr

2019 

2nd qtr

% Change 

2018-2019

North MT1 - Santarém2

—US$/mt—

South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 65.07 47.34 -27.2 41.36 31.80 -23.1

Ocean 35.50 30.58 -13.9 34.80 30.58 -12.1

Total transportation 100.57 77.92 -22.5 76.16 62.38 -18.1

Farm gate price3 323.46 271.70 -16.0 342.78 278.70 -18.7

Landed cost 424.03 349.62 -17.5 418.94 341.08 -18.6

Transport % of landed cost 23.7 22.3 -6.0 18.2 18.3 0.6

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2

BY BARGE

—US$/mt—

Truck 50.61 38.41 -24.1 - 45.66 -

Barge4 - - - - 18.30 -

Ocean 34.80 30.58 -12.1 - 29.92 -

Total transportation 85.41 68.99 -19.2 - 75.58 -

Farm gate price3 320.70 285.28 -11.0 - 271.70 -

Landed cost 406.11 354.27 -12.8 - 347.29 -

Transport % of landed cost 21.0 19.5 -7.4 - 21.8 -

1

Producing regions: MT= Mato Grosso, PI = Piauí, MA = Maranhão

2

Export ports

3

Source: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB) www.conab.gov.br

4

Note: In Brazil there are no public/official Barge rates. Barge rates can be approximately 60 percent lower than truck rates, depending on 

volumes hauled and the terms of contracts signed between the barge company and shippers

Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS
8

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 2. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the southern ports to 

Hamburg, Germany

2018 

2nd qtr

2019 

2nd qtr

% Change 

2018-2019

2018 

2nd qtr

2019 

2nd qtr

% Change 

2018-2019

North MT1 - Santos2 

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 101.44 73.96 -27.1 31.29 24.86 -20.5

Ocean 25.00 21.50 -14.0 26.00 21.25 -18.3

Total transportation 126.44 95.46 -24.5 57.29 46.11 -19.5

Farm gate price3 323.46 271.70 -16.0 343.90 294.72 -14.3

Landed cost 449.90 367.16 -18.4 401.18 340.83 -15.0

Transport % of landed cost 28.1 26.0 -7.5 14.3 13.5 -5.3

North MT1 - Santos2

BY RAIL

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

Truck 32.93 26.49 -19.6 99.91 72.82 -27.1

Rail4 43.89 31.39 -28.5 - - -

Ocean 25.00 21.50 -14.0 26.00 21.25 -18.3

Total transportation 101.82 79.38 -22.0 125.91 94.07 -25.3

Farm gate price3 323.46 271.70 -16.0 323.46 271.70 -16.0

Landed cost 425.28 351.08 -17.4 449.37 365.77 -18.6

Transport % of landed cost 23.9 22.6 -5.6 28.0 25.7 -8.2

1

Producing regions: RS = Rio Grande Do Sul, MT= Mato Grosso, GO = Goiás, PR = Paraná

2

Export ports

3

Source: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB) www.conab.gov.br

4

Note: In Brazil there are no public/official rail tariff rates. Rail rates can be approximately 30 percent lower than truck rates, depending on volumes 

hauled and the terms of contracts signed between the railroad company and shippers 

Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS
9

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 2a. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the northern and 

northeastern ports to Hamburg, Germany

2018 

2nd qtr

2019

2nd qtr

% Change 

2018-2019

2018

2nd qtr

2019

2nd qtr

% Change 

2018-2019

North MT1 - Santarém2

—US$/mt—

South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 65.07 47.34 -27.2 41.36 31.80 -23.1

Ocean 22.90 20.25 -11.6 19.10 17.10 -10.5

Total transportation 87.97 67.59 -23.2 60.46 48.90 -19.1

Farm gate price3 323.46 271.70 -16.0 342.78 278.70 -18.7

Landed cost 411.43 339.29 -17.5 403.24 327.60 -18.8

Transport % of landed cost 21.4 19.9 -6.8 15.0 14.9 -0.5

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2

BY BARGE 

--US$/mt--

Truck 50.61 38.4 -24.1 - 45.66 -

Barge4 - - - - 18.30 -

Ocean 19.10 17.1 -10.5 - 17.85 -

Total transportation 69.71 55.5 -20.4 - 63.51 -

Farm gate price3 320.70 285.3 -11.0 - 271.70 -

Landed cost 390.41 340.8 -12.7 - 335.22 -

Transport % of landed cost 17.9 16.3 -8.8 - 18.9 -

1

Producing regions: MT= Mato Grosso, PI = Piauí, MA = Maranhão

2

Export ports

3

Source: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB) www.conab.gov.br

4

Note: In Brazil there are no public/official Barge rates. Barge rates can be approximately 60 percent lower than truck rates, 

depending on volumes hauled and the terms of contracts signed between the barge company and shippers. The distance is in 

nautical miles

Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS
10

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Figure 2. Routes1 and regions considered in the 

Brazilian soybean export transportation indicator2

Brazil Soybean Transportation Indicators

1

Table defining routes by number is shown on page 15

2

Regions comprised about 80 percent of Brazilian soybean production, 2017

Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS
11

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 3. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the 

southern ports to Shanghai, China

—2019—

1st qtr 2nd qtr 3rd qtr 4th qtr Avg 1st qtr 2nd qtr 3rd qtr 4th qtr Avg

North MT1 - Santos2 

BY TRUCK

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

Truck 81.92 73.96 77.94 71.05 72.82 71.94

Ocean 32.25 30.92 31.59 33.75 31.42 32.59

Total transportation 114.17 104.88 109.52 104.80 104.24 104.52

Farm gate price3 275.38 271.70 273.54 275.38 271.70 273.54

Landed cost 389.54 376.58 383.06 380.18 375.94 378.06

Transport % of landed cost 29.3 27.8 28.6 27.6 27.7 27.6

North MT1 - Santos2

BY RAIL

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 29.89 26.49 28.19 26.05 24.86 25.46

Rail4 41.21 31.39 36.30 - - -

Ocean 32.25 30.92 31.59 31.58 30.25 30.92

Total transportation 103.36 88.80 96.08 57.63 55.11 56.37

Farm gate price3 275.38 271.70 273.54 308.52 294.72 301.62

Landed cost 378.73 360.50 369.62 366.2 349.83 357.99

Transport % of landed cost 27.3 24.6 26.0 15.7 15.8 15.7

1

Producing regions: RS = Rio Grande Do Sul, MT= Mato Grosso,GO = Goiás, PR = Paraná 

2

Export ports

3

Source: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB) www.conab.gov.br;na: not available

4

Note: In Brazil there are no public/official rail tariff rates. Rail rates can be approximately 30 percent lower than truck rates, depending on 

volumes hauled and the terms of contracts signed between the railroad company and shippers

Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS
12

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 4. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the southern ports to 

Hamburg, Germany

—2019—

1st qtr 2nd qtr 3rd qtr 4th qtr Avg 1st qtr 2nd qtr 3rd qtr 4th qtr Avg

North MT1 - Santos2 

BY TRUCK

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Paranaguá2

—US$/mt—

Truck 81.92 73.96 77.94 71.05 72.82 71.94

Ocean 23.00 21.50 22.25 23.00 21.25 22.13

Total transportation 104.92 95.46 100.19 94.05 94.07 94.06

Farm gate price3 275.38 271.70 273.54 275.38 271.70 273.54

Landed cost 380.29 367.16 373.73 369.43 365.77 367.60

Transport % of landed cost 27.6 26.0 26.79 25.5 25.7 25.6

North MT1 - Santos2

BY RAIL

—US$/mt—

Northwest RS1 - Rio Grande2

—US$/mt—

Truck 29.89 26.49 28.19 26.05 24.86 25.46

Rail4 41.21 31.39 36.30 - - -

Ocean 23.00 21.50 22.25 23.00 21.25 22.13

Total transportation 94.11 79.38 86.74 49.05 46.11 47.58

Farm gate price3 275.38 271.70 273.54 308.52 294.72 301.62

Landed cost 369.48 351.08 360.28 357.57 340.83 349.20

Transport % of landed cost 25.5 22.6 24.04 13.7 13.5 13.6

1

Producing regions: RS = Rio Grande Do Sul, MT= Mato Grosso, GO = Goiás, PR = Paraná

2

Export ports

3

Source: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB) www.conab.gov.br

4

Note: In Brazil there are no public/official rail tariff rates. Rail rates can be approximately 30 percent lower than truck rates, depending on 

volumes hauled and the terms of contracts signed between the railroad company and shippers

Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS
13

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 5. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the northern and northeastern 

ports to Shanghai, China

—2019—

1st qtr 2nd qtr 3rd qtr 4th qtr Avg 1st qtr 2nd qtr 3rd qtr 4th qtr Avg

North MT1 - Santarém2

—US$/mt—

South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 59.40 47.34 53.37 37.04 31.80 34.42

Ocean 32.25 30.58 31.42 31.00 30.58 30.79

Total transportation 91.65 77.92 84.79 68.04 62.38 65.21

Farm gate price3 275.38 271.70 273.54 298.43 278.70 288.57

Landed cost 367.03 349.62 358.33 366.47 341.08 353.78

Transport % of landed cost 25.0 22.3 23.6 18.6 18.3 18.4

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2

BY BARGE 

--US$/mtTruck 45.24 38.41 41.83 53.99 45.66 49.83

Barge4 - - - 19.66 18.30 18.98

Ocean 31.00 30.58 30.79 32.25 29.92 31.09

Total transportation 76.24 68.99 72.62 86.24 75.58 80.91

Farm gate price3 292.96 285.28 289.12 298.43 271.70 285.07

Landed cost 369.20 354.27 361.74 384.67 347.29 365.98

Transport % of landed cost 20.7 19.5 20.1 22.4 21.8 22.1

1

Producing regions: MT= Mato Grosso, PI = Piauí, MA = Maranhão

2

Export ports

3

Source: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB) www.conab.gov.br

4

Note: In Brazil there are no public/official Barge rates. Barge rates can be approximately 60 percent lower than truck rates, depending on 

volumes hauled and the terms of contracts signed between the barge company and shippers. The distance is in nautical miles

Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS
14

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 6. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the northern and northeastern 

ports to Hamburg, Germany

—2019—

1st qtr 2nd qtr 3rd qtr 4th qtr Avg 1st qtr 2nd qtr 3rd qtr 4th qtr Avg

North MT1 - Santarém2

—US$/mt—

South MA1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

Truck 59.40 47.34 53.37 37.04 31.80 34.42

Ocean 21.00 20.25 20.63 18.00 17.10 17.55

Total transportation 80.40 67.59 74.00 55.04 48.90 51.97

Farm gate price3 275.38 271.70 273.54 298.43 278.70 288.57

Landed cost 355.78 339.29 347.54 353.47 327.60 340.54

Transport % of landed cost 22.6 19.9 21.3 15.6 14.9 15.2

Southwest PI1 - São Luís2

—US$/mt—

North MT1 - Barcarena2

BY BARGE 

--US$/mtTruck 45.24 38.41 41.83 53.99 45.66 49.83

Barge4 - - - 19.66 18.30 18.98

Ocean 18.00 17.10 17.55 19.00 17.85 18.43

Total transportation 63.24 55.51 59.38 72.99 63.51 68.25

Farm gate price3 292.96 285.28 289.12 298.43 271.70 285.07

Landed cost 356.20 340.79 348.50 371.42 335.22 353.32

Transport % of landed cost 17.8 16.3 17.0 19.7 18.9 19.3

1

Producing regions: MT= Mato Grosso, PI = Piauí, MA = Maranhão

2

Export ports

3

Source: Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB) www.conab.gov.br; na: not available

4

Note: In Brazil there are no public/official Barge rates. Barge rates can be approximately 60 percent lower than truck rates, depending on 

volumes hauled and the terms of contracts signed between the barge company and shippers. The distance is in nautical miles

Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS
15

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 7. Quarterly truck rates for selected Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2019

Route 

#

Origin1 

(reference city) Destination Distance (miles)2

Share 

(%)3

Freight Price (US$)

1st qtr 2nd qtr 3rd qtr 4th qtr Avg

––– (per 100 miles)4 –––

1 Northwest RS5 (Cruz Alta) Rio Grande 288 12.0 9.05 8.63 8.84

2 North MT (Sorriso) Santos 1,190 3.0 6.88 6.21 6.55

3 North MT (Sorriso) Paranaguá 1,262 2.8 5.63 5.77 5.70

4 South GO (Rio Verde) Santos 587 5.1 7.29 5.89 6.59

5 South GO (Rio Verde) Paranaguá 726 4.1 6.15 6.03 6.09

6 North Central PR (Londrina) Paranaguá 268 3.3 8.86 8.40 8.63

7 Western Central PR (Mamborê) Paranaguá 311 2.6 7.96 7.76 7.86

8 Triangle MG (Uberaba) Santos 339 3.1 10.13 8.11 9.12

9 West PR (Assis Chateaubriand) Paranaguá 377 2.5 7.45 7.00 7.22

10 West Extreme BA (São Desidério) Salvador 535 5.6 7.03 6.48 6.76

11 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Santos 901 2.5 6.23 5.60 5.91

12 Southeast MT (Primavera do Leste) Paranaguá 975 2.3 5.21 5.26 5.23

13 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Paranaguá 612 3.3 6.48 6.33 6.40

14 Southwest MS (Maracaju) Santos 652 3.1 7.67 6.20 6.93

15 West PR (Assis Chateaubriand) Santos 550 1.7 7.76 6.29 7.02

16 East GO (Cristalina) Santos 585 1.9 8.18 6.80 7.49

17 North PR (Cornélio Procópio) Paranaguá 306 1.8 7.16 6.78 6.97

18 Eastern Central PR (Castro) Paranaguá 130 2.1 12.15 10.87 11.51

19 South Central PR (Guarapuava) Paranaguá 204 2.3 11.22 10.29 10.75

20 North Central MS (São Gabriel do Oeste) Santos 720 2.3 6.79 5.44 6.12

21 Ribeirão Preto SP (Guairá) Santos 314 0.0 8.57 6.62 7.60

22 Northeast MT (Canarana) Santos 950 3.4 7.04 5.71 6.37

23 East MS (Chapadão do Sul) Santos 607 0.0 6.71 5.45 6.08

1

Although each origin region comprises several cities, the main city is considered as a reference to establish the freight price; na = not available

2

Distance from the main city of the considered region to the mentioned ports.

3

Share is measured as a percentage of total production.

4

US$ per metric ton (average monthly exchange rate from “Banco Central do Brasil” was used to convert Brazilian reais to the U.S. dollar)

5

RS=Rio Grande do Sul, MT=Mato Grosso, GO=Goiás, PR=Paraná, MG=Minas Gerais, BA=Bahia, MS=Mato Grosso do Sul, SP=São Paulo, PI=Piauí, 

MA=Maranhão, PA=Pará, TO=Tocantins

6

Note: In Brazil there are no public/official rail tariff rates. Rail rates can be approximately 30 percent lower than truck rates, depending on volumes hauled 

and the terms of contracts signed between the railroad company and shippers 

7

Note: In Brazil there are no public/official Barge rates. Barge rates can be approximately 60 percent lower than truck rates, depending on volumes hauled and 

the terms of contracts signed between the barge company and shippers. The distance is in nautical miles

Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS

-continued on page 16-
16

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 7. Quarterly truck rates for selected Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2019

Route 

#

Origin1 

(reference city) Destination Distance (miles)2

Share 

(%)3

Freight Price (US$)

1st qtr 2nd qtr 3rd qtr 4th qtr Avg

––– (per 100 miles)4 –––

24 Northeast MT (Canarana) Paranaguá 1,075 3.0 6.04 5.66 5.85

25 Western Central RS (Tupanciretã) Rio Grande 273 2.7 9.40 8.31 8.85

26 Southwest PR(Chopinzinho) Paranaguá 291 1.8 11.75 10.44 11.10

27 North MT (Sorriso) Itaituba 672 5.3 8.04 6.80 7.42

28 North MT (Sorriso) Porto Velho 632 5.7 6.29 5.98 6.14

29 North MT (Sorriso) Santarém 876 4.1 6.78 5.40 6.09

30 South MA (Balsas) São Luís 482 1.9 7.69 6.60 7.15

31 Southwest PI (Bom Jesus) São Luís 606 2.2 7.47 6.34 6.90

32 Southeast PA (Paragominas) Barcarena 249 1.5 10.05 7.58 8.82

33 East TO (Campos Lindos) São Luís 842 1.1 6.43 5.36 5.90

34 North MT (Sorriso) Rondonópolis 

(Rail terminal) 382 7.83 6.93 7.38

35 Rondonópolis MT 

(Rail terminal)

6 Santos 1,019 4.04 3.08 3.56

36 Itaituba PA (Barge terminal)7 Santarém 224 9.24 7.84 8.54

37 Itaituba PA (Barge terminal)7 Barcarena 738 2.67 2.48 2.57

Average 587 100.0 7.75 6.94 7.35

1

Although each origin region comprises several cities, the main city is considered as a reference to establish the freight price; na = not available

2

Distance from the main city of the considered region to the mentioned ports.

3

Share is measured as a percentage of total production.

4

US$ per metric ton (average monthly exchange rate from “Banco Central do Brasil” was used to convert Brazilian reais to the U.S. dollar)

5

RS=Rio Grande do Sul, MT=Mato Grosso, GO=Goiás, PR=Paraná, MG=Minas Gerais, BA=Bahia, MS=Mato Grosso do Sul, SP=São Paulo, PI=Piauí, 

MA=Maranhão, PA=Pará, TO=Tocantins

6

Note: In Brazil there are no public/official rail tariff rates. Rail rates can be approximately 30 percent lower than truck rates, depending on volumes hauled 

and the terms of contracts signed between the railroad company and shippers 

7

Note: In Brazil there are no public/official Barge rates. Barge rates can be approximately 60 percent lower than truck rates, depending on volumes hauled and 

the terms of contracts signed between the barge company and shippers. The distance is in nautical miles

Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS
17

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 8. Monthly Brazilian soybean export truck transportation cost index

Month Freight price* 

(per 100 miles)

Index variation (%) 

(Base: prior month)

Index value 

(Base: Jan. 05 = 100)

Month Freight price* 

(per 100 miles)

Index variation (%) 

(Base: prior month)

Index value 

(Base: Jan. 05 = 100)

Jan-12 10.20 1.7 175.90 Jan-16 6.42 -5.1 110.63

Feb-12 10.76 5.4 185.45 Feb-16 6.73 4.8 115.98

Mar-12 10.55 -2.0 181.82 Mar-16 7.79 15.8 134.33

Apr-12 10.45 -1.0 180.06 Apr-16 8.30 6.5 143.05

May-12 9.64 -7.7 166.20 May-16 7.28 -12.3 125.43

Jun-12 9.37 -2.9 161.44 Jun-16 7.16 -1.5 123.51

Jul-12 9.76 4.2 168.16 Jul-16 7.46 4.2 128.64

Aug-12 10.17 4.3 175.33 Aug-16 7.33 -1.7 126.41

Sep-12 10.30 1.3 177.54 Sep-16 6.35 -13.3 109.53

Oct-12 10.13 -1.6 174.66 Oct-16 5.88 -7.5 101.35

Nov-12 9.84 -2.8 169.69 Nov-16 5.00 -14.9 86.21

Dec-12 9.73 -1.1 167.74 Dec-16 5.47 9.4 94.32

Jan-13 10.11 3.9 174.31 Jan-17 7.32 33.8 126.20

Feb-13 10.79 6.7 185.96 Feb-17 9.85 34.6 169.85

Mar-13 11.14 3.3 192.04 Mar-17 10.38 5.3 178.90

Apr-13 10.95 -1.7 188.71 Apr-17 9.52 -8.3 164.05

May-13 10.40 -5.0 179.31 May-17 8.75 -8.0 150.90

Jun-13 9.49 -8.8 163.61 Jun-17 8.18 -6.5 141.04

Jul-13 9.65 1.7 166.41 Jul-17 8.74 6.8 150.66

Aug-13 9.80 1.5 168.95 Aug-17 9.85 12.7 169.76

Sep-13 10.21 4.2 176.02 Sep-17 8.97 -9.0 154.55

Oct-13 10.17 -0.4 175.28 Oct-17 8.64 -3.6 148.93

Nov-13 9.29 -8.6 160.18 Nov-17 8.36 -3.2 144.11

Dec-13 8.91 -4.1 153.63 Dec-17 7.23 -13.5 124.63

Jan-14 8.86 -0.6 152.73 Jan-18 7.59 5.0 130.90

Feb-14 10.34 16.7 178.24 Feb-18 8.65 13.9 149.04

Mar-14 11.61 12.3 200.13 Mar-18 10.59 22.5 182.61

Apr-14 11.35 -2.2 195.65 Apr-18 9.78 -7.7 168.59

May-14 10.90 -4.0 187.89 May-18 8.96 -8.4 154.45

Jun-14 10.34 -5.1 178.24 Jun-18 8.89 -0.8 153.24

Jul-14 10.16 -1.7 175.21 Jul-18 8.97 0.9 154.58

Aug-14 10.10 -0.6 174.08 Aug-18 8.24 -8.1 142.00

Sep-14 9.66 -4.3 166.54 Sep-18 7.24 -12.1 124.78

Oct-14 8.77 -9.3 151.13 Oct-18 7.69 6.2 132.55

Nov-14 8.36 -4.6 144.16 Nov-18 7.51 -2.3 129.44

Dec-14 7.96 -4.9 137.15 Dec-18 7.19 -4.3 123.87

Jan-15 8.01 0.7 138.15 Jan-19 7.72 7.5 133.13

Feb-15 8.02 0.1 138.29 Feb-19 8.19 6.0 141.15

Mar-15 8.32 3.7 143.44 Mar-19 7.34 -10.3 126.61

Apr-15 9.00 8.2 155.13 Apr-19 7.16 -2.6 123.35

May-15 8.39 -6.8 144.58 May-19 6.73 -5.9 116.02

Jun-15 8.01 -4.5 138.12 Jun-19 6.94 3.1 119.56

Jul-15 7.56 -5.7 130.25

Aug-15 7.38 -2.4 127.15

Sep-15 6.60 -10.5 113.78

Oct-15 6.70 1.5 115.43

Nov-15 7.08 5.8 122.08

Dec-15 6.76 -4.5 116.56

*Weighted average and quoted in US$ per metric ton

Source: ESALQ/ USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS
18

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Figure 3. Truck rates for selected southern Brazilian soybean export transportation 

routes, 2017-2019

Figure 3. Truck rates for selected southern Brazilian soybean export transportation route, 2017-2019

Source: ESALQ/USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS

$0

$1

$2

$3

$4

$5

$6

$7

$8

$9

$10

$11

$12

$13

$14

01/1704/1707/1710/1701/1804/1807/1810/1801/1904/19

US$/MT /100 miles

Western Center PR to Paranaguá

North MT to Paranaguá

Southwest MS to Paranaguá

Source: ESALQ/USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS 

Figure 4. Truck rates for selected north, south, and northeastern Brazilian soybean export 

transportation routes, 2017-2019

Source: ESALQ/USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS 

$0

$1

$2

$3

$4

$5

$6

$7

$8

$9

$10

$11

$12

Jan-17

Apr-17

Jul-17

Oct-17

Jan-18

Apr-18

Jul-18

Oct-18

Jan-19

Apr-19

US$/MT/100 miles

North MT (Sorriso) to Santos

North MT to Paranaguá

North MT (Sorriso) to Santarém

North MT (Sorriso) to Itaituba

 South MA (Balsas) to São Luís
19

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Source: ESALQ/USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and USDA/AMS 

$0

$2

$4

$6

$8

$10

$12

Jan-17

Apr-17

Jul-17

Oct-17

Jan-18

Apr-18

Jul-18

Oct-18

Jan-19

Apr-19

US$/MT/100 miles

Figure 5. Brazilian soybean export truck transportation weighted average prices, 2017-2019
20

Brazil Soybean Transportation

-continued on page 21-

Table 9. Quarterly ocean freight rates for shipping soybeans from selected Brazilian ports to 

Germany and China (US$/metric ton)*

Port Destination 1st qtr 2013 2nd qtr 2013 3rd qtr 2013 4th qtr 2013

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 30.00 29.00 29.00 30.00

Paranagua Germany (Hamburg) 30.00 29.00 29.00 30.00

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 30.00 29.00 29.00 30.00

Santos China (Shanghai) 52.34 34.50 34.50 42.50

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 56.03 36.75 36.75 46.00

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 51.34 35.25 35.25 44.25

Port Destination 1st qtr 2014 2nd qtr 2014 3rd qtr 2014 4th qtr 2014

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 31.00 30.00 26.00 24.00

Paranagua Germany (Hamburg) 31.00 30.00 28.00 26.00

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 31.00 30.00 24.50 22.50

Santos China (Shanghai) 44.83 38.07 34.00 30.50

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 47.22 41.13 36.00 32.50

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 44.83 38.75 32.50 30.50

Port Destination 1st qtr 2015 2nd qtr 2015 3rd qtr 2015 4th qtr 2015

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 22.00 21.00 19.00 17.00

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 22.00 21.00 19.00 17.00

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 22.00 21.00 19.00 17.00

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 20.00 14.50 13.50 20.00

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 20.00 18.25 16.38 20.50

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 20.00 16.00 15.20 21.00

Santos China (Shanghai) 29.50 22.50 23.25 20.00

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 31.50 23.50 24.18 20.50

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 29.50 25.00 25.75 21.00

Santarém China (Shanghai) 32.00 25.00 25.75 23.50

São Luís China (Shanghai) 32.00 25.00 25.75 23.50

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 32.00 25.00 25.75 23.50

Port Destination 1st qtr 2016 2nd qtr 2016 3rd qtr 2016 4th qtr 2016

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 16.00 17.00 16.50 23.00

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 16.00 17.00 16.50 24.00

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 16.00 17.00 16.50 23.00

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 11.03 14.13 15.00 19.80

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 8.25 11.00 11.80 15.80

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 9.60 12.45 13.20 17.35

Santos China (Shanghai) 17.50 16.50 12.50 20.00

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 18.00 18.50 14.50 21.50

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 18.50 17.00 13.00 20.50

Santarém China (Shanghai) 22.00 21.00 19.40 23.75

São Luís China (Shanghai) 20.00 18.40 17.50 22.00

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 22.50 21.50 20.00 23.75

*Correspond to the average actual values negotiated between shippers and carriers and weighted according to the magnitude of the 

 shipped volume

Source: Sistema de Informações de Fretes, SIFRECA, ESALQ/USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil)
21

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Table 9. Quarterly ocean freight rates for shipping soybeans from selected Brazilian ports to 

Germany and China (US$/metric ton)*

Port Destination 1st qtr 2017 2nd qtr 2017 3rd qtr 2017 4th qtr 2017

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 21.00 24.00 26.00 27.00

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 22.00 25.00 27.00 28.00

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 22.00 25.00 27.00 28.00

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 21.00 23.60 25.00 26.00

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 17.60 20.00 21.20 22.00

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 18.00 20.60 21.80 22.70

Santos China (Shanghai) 18.50 29.00 30.00 30.00

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 20.50 30.50 31.00 31.50

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 18.00 29.50 31.00 30.70

Santarém China (Shanghai) 24.00 33.50 31.00 34.50

São Luís China (Shanghai) 23.50 30.25 31.00 33.50

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 24.00 33.50 31.00 34.50

Port Destination 1st qtr 2018 2nd qtr 2018 3rd qtr 2018 4th qtr 2018

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 27.00 25.00 24.00 25.00

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 28.00 26.00 25.00 26.00

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 28.00 26.00 25.00 26.00

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 25.00 22.90 22.50 23.00

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 21.00 19.10 18.50 19.00

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 23.00 20.90 20.20 20.00

Santos China (Shanghai) 32.50 31.00 27.75 30.00

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 32.00 32.00 28.75 31.00

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 33.00 31.50 28.25 31.50

Santarém China (Shanghai) 38.50 35.50 31.25 34.00

São Luís China (Shanghai) 37.00 34.80 30.75 33.00

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 37.50 33.80 32.25 35.00

Port Destination 1st qtr 2019 2nd qtr 2019 3rd qtr 2019 4th qtr 2019

Santos Germany (Hamburg) 23.00 21.50 

Paranaguá Germany (Hamburg) 23.00 21.25 

Rio Grande Germany (Hamburg) 23.00 21.25 

Santarém Germany (Hamburg) 21.00 20.25 

São Luís Germany (Hamburg) 18.00 17.10 

Barcarena Germany (Hamburg) 19.00 17.85 

Santos China (Shanghai) 32.25 30.92 

Paranagua China (Shanghai) 33.75 31.42 

Rio Grande China (Shanghai) 31.58 30.25 

Santarém China (Shanghai) 32.25 30.58 

São Luís China (Shanghai) 31.00 30.58 

Barcarena China (Shanghai) 32.25 29.92 

*Correspond to the average actual values negotiated between shippers and carriers and weighted according to the magnitude of the 

 shipped volume

Source: Sistema de Informações de Fretes, SIFRECA, ESALQ/USP (University of São Paulo, Brazil)
22

Brazil Soybean Transportation

Contact Information:

Delmy L. Salin

Senior Economist, Project Manager

delmy.salin@usda.gov

202.720.0833

Sharon C. Williams

Graphic Analyst

sharonc.williams@usda.gov

202.720.2848

Data Sets (XLS files):

• Figure 3. Truck rates for selected southern Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2017-2019

• Figure 4. Truck rates for selected north, south, and northeastern Brazilian soybean export 

transportation routes, 2017-2019

• Figure 5. Brazilian soybean export truck transportation weighted average prices, 2017-2019

• Table 1. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the southern ports to Shanghai, China

• Table 1a. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the northern and northeastern ports 

to Shanghai, China

• Table 2. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the southern ports to Hamburg, 

Germany

• Table 2a. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the northern and northeastern ports 

to Hamburg, Germany

• Table 3. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the southern ports to Shanghai, China

• Table 4. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the southern ports to Hamburg, 

Germany

• Table 5. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the northern and northeastern ports 

to Shanghai, China

• Table 6. Quarterly costs of transporting Brazilian soybeans from the northern and northeastern ports 

to Hamburg, Germany

• Table 7. Quarterly truck rates for selected Brazilian soybean export transportation routes, 2019

• Table 8. Monthly Brazilian soybean export truck transportation cost index

• Table 9. Quarterly ocean freight rates for shipping soybeans from selected Brazilian ports to Germany 

and China (US$/metric ton)

Subscription Information: Send relevant information to GTRContactUs@usda.gov for an electronic copy.

Related Websites:

• Soybean Transportation Guide: Brazil 2017 (PDF)

• Prior Articles: Brazil Soybean Transportation

• Related Articles: Grain Transportation Report: June 20, 2019 (PDF)

Preferred Citation:

Salin, Delmy. Brazil Soybean Transportation. September 2019. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 

Marketing Service. Web. <http://dx.doi.org/10.9752/TS052.09-2019>

Photo Credit: USDA

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.