Brazil's logistics operator América Latina LogÀstica (ALL) had a 14.7% increase in transported volume in the first half of this year, with 17.8 billion tons per available ton kilometer (ATK). In Brazil, the company transported 16 billion ATKs, representing growth of 18.2%.
The company's gross revenues totaled 1.4 billion reais (US$ 866.2 million) in the first six months this year, growth of 21.6% over the same period last year.
"We proceeded with our operational upgrading process in northern roads, and we also increased trustworthiness in the company's assets as a whole, making up for the adverse scenario in Argentina," stated the director for finance and investor relations at ALL, Sérgio Pedreiro, in a press release.
In the agricultural area, the company transported a volume 20.1% greater in the six-month period. The volume of wheat transported grew 156%, sugar, 31%, and soy complex (grain, oil and chaff), 21%. At the industrial unit, transported volume increased 14%, mostly due to good performance in the cement and fuels sectors.
In the second quarter this year, ALL grew 15.2% in consolidated volume, from 8.6 billion to 9.9 billion ATKs. The result was driven by an expansion of 18.6% in volume by ALL Brazil. In the first half, investment totaled 325 million reais (US$ 201.1 million). The bulk of investment consisted of the purchase and refurbishment of 1,450 wagons and 50 locomotives.
"We have already earmarked 70% of our capacity in 2008 for take-or-pay contracts. The positive market scenario should result in growth of 12% to 14% in company turnover in 2008," claims Pedreiro.
ALL is the largest logistics operator with a railway base in Latin America. The company transports cargo for clients in various segments such as agricultural commodities, inputs and fertilizers, fuels, civil construction, forestry, steel industry, hygiene and cleaning, electric and electronic devices, automobiles and auto parts, chemicals, petrochemicals and beverages. The company offers a broad range of logistics services.
Anba