Intermodal transportation
The combination of two or more transport modes is an alternative option for soybeans originated
in the Center West. Referring to the conclusions drawn in chapter 2.3 that rail transportation is
more efficient for long distance transports than road transportation, intermodality is a considerable
option for shipping the soybeans from the remote Center West regions to Santos port. The
ALLMN railroad and the TIETÊ-PARANÁ waterway offer the option of intermodal transportation of
agricultural products to Santos via road and rail or road and waterway, respectively. Trucks carry
the soybeans to the terminals in Alto Araguaia-MT (rail) or São Simão-GO (waterway), where it is
transshipped and carried towards Santos (see figure 4.5).