Brazilian Road Freight Transportation Sector: The Challenge of Sustainability

The road cargo transportation system has significant representativeness in the Brazilian economic scenario. Companies depend on transportation to receive inputs from their suppliers and take their products to consumers. This modal is also the major consumer of fuel oil products in the transportation sector. Thus, it is necessary to act with a focus on sustainability, considering the economic, social and environmental aspects. From this perspective, this study aims to present aspects of the concept of sustainability in the Brazilian road freight transportation sector, with emphasis on the environmental, social and economic dimensions. A qualitative research approach was used with the literature research technique in order to build the theoretical basis for discussion on the dimensions of sustainability in Brazilian road freight transportation. The results show that the road cargo transportation sector is relevant for the country and seeks to fulfill its social role and be economically viable; requires attention to environmental awareness and eco-efficiency; should make efforts to use alternatives to avoid damage to the environment, applying technologies to reduce noise pollution, GHG emissions; and seek to comply with environmental legislation acting in a sustainable manner.