Feasibility Analysis of the Use of Light and Medium Trucks in Timber Transport in Rural Properties

Abstract

Aiming to analyze the economic-financial feasibility of the use of light and medium trucks in the transport of the timber produced by small farmers within the process of forest production, two types of light trucks and two of medium trucks were evaluated in 14 rural properties in the State of Espírito Santo. Considering the transport cycles, distances, productivity of the forests, acquisition values, load capacity and fuel consumption of each truck, in addition to the cost of opening roads, nonlinear regression equations were adjusted to estimate the timber transport cost in the different scenarios evaluated. Transport costs were included in the cash flow of the forest production process, and the internal rate of return and net present value for all combinations were evaluated. The results configured the light truck in the 6x2 version as the most economically viable alternative for timber transport, with 125 km being the maximum feasible distance in forests with productivity up to 250 m3/ha. In forests with productivity above 300 m3/ha, the medium truck in the 6x2 version proved to be the most viable economic alternative in distances over 150 km. The light and medium trucks in the 4x2 version did not prove to be the best economic alternative in any of the evaluated situations. It is concluded that light trucks are an economically viable alternative for timber transport, in order to ensure the profitability and sustainability of the forestry business in small rural properties.