Eficiência em logística : uma análise sobre alternativas de transporte e infraestrutura para a competitividade das empresas de Santa Cruz do Sul.

Abstract

Investments in logistics infrastructure provide business competitiveness and growth for local organizations, allowing them to perform trades in multiple markets, including products import and export. Santa Cruz do Sul is a city that stands out nationwide by tobacco processing and it is the home for the largest companies in this sector. The city is the 10th in tax collection in State of Rio Grande do Sul/Brazil due to the importance of local businesses. Thus, cargo transport has become a crucial factor for these companies to distribute their products. Due to this importance, this study aims to analyze the alternatives related to logistic channels to increase competitiveness and efficiency in companies located in Santa Cruz do Sul. The methodology used was an exploratory and qualitative research through a multiple case study with interviews in depth with large and medium-sized leading companies from Santa Cruz do Sul. The main results show that businesses choose to use road transport only, however it does not offer duplicate road sections with good conservation. The main demand of the companies is the duplication and maintenance of road sections that provide access to the city. It was also identified that alternative modes such as waterways and railways in Santa Cruz do Sul arouse interest in local businesses. Nevertheless, according to the public sector, there are no short-term projects to meet these demands, there are only incipient studies and cost estimates. Moreover, the study identified the existence of an ongoing a logistics platform project that will facilitate the import and export process for these companies.