The objective of this study is to propose and implement a theoretical framework to calculate the total logistics costs of Brazilian agribusiness products meant for export. The framework was applied to soybeans that are produced in Mato Grosso and exported from the port of Santos. The analyses include unimodal and intermodal routes. From a theoretical viewpoint, the proposed framework includes some variables that are often underestimated in this kind of analysis, such as tax variables. With regard to the empirical results from implementing the framework, the study shows that due to a number of factors and contrary to much of the literature available on the subject, it is not always advantageous for the Mato Grosso soybeans producers to transport their production using intermodal alternatives. Future research suggestions are included at the end of the paper.
Agribusiness logistics; Logistics costs; Intermodality; Soybean
