VLI Expands Logistics Services with New Wagon Unloading Solution for Fertilizer Inputs in Uberaba (MG)

VLI, a logistics solutions company operating railways, ports, and terminals, has launched a new railway service model that brings its operational expertise to the unloading of wagons within the industrial complexes of its clients. The first implementation of this new business model began in May, with VLI taking over the unloading operations for phosphate rock and sulfur flows at the industrial plant of Mosaic, one of the world’s largest fertilizer producers, in Uberaba, Minas Gerais. In just the first month, the company reported a 10% improvement in performance compared to previous months in these operations.

VLI had already been transporting both commodities for Mosaic via the Centro-Atlântica Railway (FCA) but without handling the unloading process. For phosphate rock, the company was responsible only for transport between two Mosaic industrial plants, from Catalão (GO) to Uberaba (MG). For sulfur, the service was limited to transportation from the Luiz Antônio Mesquita Integrating Terminal (Tiplam) in the Baixada Santista region to the same Uberaba facility. Now, in addition to transportation, VLI has taken over the receipt, maneuvering, and opening of wagons, as well as the cleaning of conveyor belts and maintenance of railway lines located inside Mosaic’s facility — operations previously performed in-house by the client. To support this new scope, aligned with Mosaic’s strategic focus on logistics innovation and core business optimization, VLI hired 89 professionals.

By providing its expertise in these operations, VLI not only relieves the client’s operational burden but also increases its stake in the fertilizer logistics market. “This operation highlights VLI’s ability to manage our clients’ logistics chains end to end. Co-creating solutions like this is a key focus for the company, bringing mutual benefits. Clients can focus entirely on their core business, while VLI gains by maximizing the use of wagons and locomotives and generating additional revenue through new services,” said Carolina Hernandez, VLI’s Executive Commercial Director.

Brazil is the world’s fourth-largest fertilizer consumer. While it imports the majority of its fertilizers, it is gradually increasing domestic production to reduce this dependency — creating major opportunities for scaling up and optimizing rail logistics. Currently, 85% of the logistics flow for fertilizers still occurs by road. “The operational gains we’ve already delivered to Mosaic in the first month of these new services are proof of this potential, and we aim to capture volumes that could reach 17% by the end of 2025,” added Hernandez.

VLI is the leading rail transporter of fertilizer inputs in Brazil, moving about 10 million tons annually. The company plays a critical role in moving imported materials from port terminals in the East, North, and Southeast corridors to clients that process them for delivery to farmers.

Southeast Corridor of FCA
The Southeast Corridor of the Centro-Atlântica Railway is a high-efficiency logistics system that supports import and export flows through the Luiz Antonio Mesquita Port Terminal (Tiplam). Its coverage area includes São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Goiás, and the Federal District, handling primarily sugar, grains, and fertilizers.

The corridor infrastructure also features two integrating terminals — in Uberaba (MG) and Guará (SP) — where cargo is transshipped to the rail network. Besides offering high efficiency to clients, Tiplam also generates positive impacts in the Baixada Santista region, as all its export flows are handled by rail. This helps reduce road traffic and emissions in the region, with the rail mode emitting up to nine times less CO² than trucks.

For more information, visit: https://www.vli-logistica.com.br/

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