Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
4 min of reading 
0 comments 
Sustainability Turned Profit in Logistics. Green Fleet, Biogas, and Electrification Boost Margins and New Contracts in Transportation.
Sustainable logistics has shifted from environmental discourse to an economic growth engine in Brazil. Leading this movement is Reiter Log, a company from Rio Grande do Sul that, in recent years, transformed transport decarbonization, electrification, and biogas into competitive advantages.
The strategy gained momentum starting in the early 2020s, in Rio Grande do Sul and São Paulo, when the company decided to invest heavily in a green fleet to serve large companies with global emission reduction targets.
With more than 1,900 owned trucks, 2,265 employees, and contracts that added R$ 5 million monthly to revenue, the company demonstrates how sustainability, when well-structured, generates financial returns.
-
São Paulo surprises the world with a colossal railway network project that promises over 1,000 km of tracks, R$ 194 billion in investments, and 40 projects connecting the capital to the interior with fast and sustainable trains.
-
The world’s largest escalator, measuring 905 meters in China, reduces urban travel time from 1 hour to about 20 minutes and transforms mobility in mountainous regions with an engineering solution adapted to the terrain.
-
A R$ 300 million logistics giant is taking shape in Serra with over 100,000 m² and raises a question: how can this transform e-commerce and distribution in the state?
-
Could Uber Rides Lose Minimum Fare? Understand What’s Happening!
Thus, the advancement occurs in a sector marked by tight margins, high fragmentation, and little differentiation, where the largest operator does not reach 1% of the market.
Sustainable Logistics as a Growth Strategy
The decision to invest in sustainable logistics was not reactive.
According to Vanessa Pilz, the company’s business and ESG director, the choice was strategic and proactive.
“Transport is responsible for 25% of global carbon emissions.
We chose not to wait for the market to move; we decided to lead,” says Vanessa Pilz.
Today, the company operates the largest sustainable fleet in the country, with 290 gas-powered vehicles, in addition to light and heavy electric trucks, attracting customers committed to transport decarbonization.
Green Fleet Attracts Large Multinationals
The advancement of the green fleet has opened doors for contracts with global companies.
One of the recent milestones was the partnership with Beiersdorf, owner of the brands Nivea and Eucerin, which became the first company in the beauty sector in Brazil to operate with a heavy electric truck.
Another example is L’Oréal, which chose Reiter Log as a strategic partner to reduce emissions in transportation.
“The adoption of sustainable logistics boosts our business and brings direct returns to customers,” reinforces Vanessa.
Electrification Advances Despite High Costs
The electrification of the fleet still faces financial barriers. Electric trucks can cost up to three times more than conventional models.
Nonetheless, the strategy proves viable in dedicated operations.
“The cost per kilometer is offset in closed routes and dedicated circuits,” explains Vanessa.
The company operates electric vehicles from manufacturers such as Volvo, XCMG, JAC, and Volkswagen, expanding the technological diversification of the fleet.
Biogas Integrates Logistics and Agriculture
Thus, one of the most innovative pillars of Reiter Log’s sustainable logistics lies in the use of biogas.
The Pilz family also controls Estância Del Sur, an intensive livestock operation that exported about 240,000 heads of cattle only in 2024.
Thus, the organic waste from confinement is converted into renewable fuel, already used by part of the fleet.
“We signed a contract with Geo Energética, we built three fueling points, and created a 100% green corridor between São Paulo and the South,” says Vanessa.
Today, the company has 290 gas-powered vehicles, including the largest individual order from Scania in the world: 124 trucks purchased in a single order.
Customers Pay More for Sustainable Operations
Thus, contracts based on transport decarbonization allow for higher margins.
“Some customers pay 10% to 15% more for this type of operation,” says Vanessa.
According to Hermes Lopes, head of logistics at Beiersdorf, the environmental results are measurable:
“We moved 1.6 tons of product per year with biogas, avoiding 106 tons of CO₂.”
Professional Governance Sustains Results
Even without external investors, Reiter Log grows with reinvestment and structured debt. In 2024, the company hired a CFO to strengthen governance.
The result was a corporate EBITDA of R$ 165 million, with a margin of 27.3%.
“The management is professional. Just because we are a family business doesn’t mean the management has to be family-oriented,” highlights Vanessa.
Challenges: Floods and Lack of Drivers
Thus, the company faced severe difficulties during the floods in Rio Grande do Sul in May 2024.
Blocked roads required rapid redirection of routes, with direct customer support.
Another challenge lies in training drivers.
To address the labor shortage, Reiter Log created an exclusive program for women. Twelve have been trained, and three continue on the road.
“It’s still a tough market, but we’re going to insist,” concludes Vanessa.
-
-
3 pessoas reagiram a isso.