Brazil's road freight transportation sector recorded an average 10.5% shortfall in freight rates during the first semester of 2026, according to a survey released by the industry association NTC & Logística.
Diesel fuel, which represents 44.7% of total transport expenses, rose 17.63% in the first six months of the year and 18% over the preceding 12 months. The price increase was partly linked to the war in Iran, despite a federal subsidy programme aimed at tempering fuel costs.
Technical advisor Lauro Valdivia said the subsidy helped limit upward pressure on diesel, preventing an even larger surge amid high global oil prices. Carriers responded to the cost pressure by adjusting freight rates, reducing margins, seeking productivity gains, renegotiating contracts and, in many cases, absorbing part of the diesel hike themselves.
Since the Russia‑Ukraine conflict, transport service contractors have become more willing to pass fuel price increases on to customers, which kept the average cost‑versus‑freight gap unchanged from the same period last year. Other operating costs showed little variation, providing limited additional strain.
Valdivia added that the sector remains pessimistic about the economic outlook and highlighted a worsening trend in driver recruitment, with more companies reporting difficulties hiring drivers.
The findings were reported by Reuters from São Paulo.
