Logistical transportation routes optimization for Brazilian soybean: an application of the origin-destination matrix

ABSTRACT: The last Brazilian agricultural frontier known as MATOPIBA, an acronym for the states of Maranhão, Tocantins, Piaui and Bahia, is a region that has stood out in scenario modern large-scale agriculture intensive capital technology. However, barriers related to transportation system, especially regarding high logistics costs, have been negatively impacting this sector. To optimize performance chain, model minimizing costs was developed, using linear programming with origin-destination matrix. purpose paper evaluate whether use North-South Railroad potential new alternative intermodal route soybean export from MATOPIBA region, order minimize promote viability ports located northeast country. This configuration can also contribute reduce overload Santos Port (SP). Two scenarios were proposed based on 2016/17 harvest soybeanwhere first (A) consisted only road routes, while second (B), addition these incorporated road-rail road-water way routes. As result, total cost reduced by 30% B about half all cargo shipped Itaqui Northeast region. promotes more sustainable chain soy, rational transport modes decentralization investments other regions.