Logistics chain ensures cellulose transport to ports

Cellulose transportation (Alexsander Ferraz/AT)

In an impeccably clean warehouse—a standard to keep white cellulose bales uncontaminated—works one of the few female forklift operators in the country. Luci Dalva Ferreira de Souza, 36, is employed by Eldorado Brasil in Três Lagoas, Mato Grosso do Sul.

"I used to work in the administrative sector, but I always liked operations, being out in the yard near the machinery. My focus was always here until I switched roles,” says Luci Dalva during a break in cellulose stacking operations, which follow strict rules. The cellulose sheets, measuring 81 centimeters long, 66.8 centimeters wide, and 2 millimeters thick, are stacked in 250-kilogram bundles. Eldorado has 21 registered types of cellulose but currently focuses on its three best sellers, including certified options (guaranteeing origin and proof of reforestation).

Luci Dalva says her colleagues have always treated her with respect. “We’re a team, and expectations are the same for everyone. If I make a mistake, I get a warning just like anyone else,” she says, adding that her husband, who works at Eldorado as an inspection leader, is a source of support.

Process Eldorado moves an average of 5,400 tons of cellulose daily, equivalent to 150 trucks. The material is taken from the factory, mainly to the Port of Santos, with a smaller share destined for other terminals and the domestic market.

“The average time to load one of these trucks is 3 to 4 hours, from positioning to completion. This reduced timeframe is a competitive advantage,” explains Francieli Bridi, the company’s Logistics Manager. Eldorado uses its proprietary system, which requires less than 30 minutes to cover the trucks with tarps, protecting the cellulose from rain. Additionally, the invoice issuance process is fully automated, minimizing downtime.

Trucks are the sole mode of transport for the cargo. While Eldorado has its own fleet for transporting wood from the forest to the factory, cellulose distribution is handled by third-party carriers. “We’re working on projects to reintroduce multimodal logistics, such as building a railway branch line from the factory to Aparecida do Taboado, which will reconnect production to the rail network,” Francieli notes.

She highlights that 95% of production is destined for export, with shipments to Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the United States. The remainder supplies the domestic market. “Our focus is ensuring the product arrives with quality, on time, and at the lowest possible cost,” says Francieli.

The key to success What ensures this logistics operation runs smoothly? “Eldorado’s commitment to technology, innovation, and process improvement is critical. Beyond that, people are fundamental. You can have the best tools and technology, but if you don’t have people who understand their value and purpose, nothing happens,” she emphasizes.

Behind the wheel Truck driver Rosimeire Novais Valota, 46, has been a contracted hauler for Eldorado Celulose for four months, but her passion for trucks dates back much further. Inspired by her father, who was also a driver, she turned a childhood dream into reality, transporting cellulose to various destinations across Brazil. “I’ve always admired this profession,” says Rosimeire.

Before Eldorado, she spent eight months driving dump trucks, transporting corn and soybeans. “The cellulose truck is the same size—25 meters—but the loading process is different. With a dump truck, it’s simpler because it’s tiltable. cellulose loading requires tarping, which makes the work more challenging.”

Long hours on the road are part of the job, but it’s there that she found love—both for the profession and in life. Her husband is also a truck driver. “I’m where I’ve always wanted to be, and that’s very special to me.”

Port of Santos receives most of the production Opened in 2023, Eldorado’s terminal at the Port of Santos (EBLog) receives over half of the company’s production for export—up to 1 million tons—and has boosted Eldorado’s cellulose shipments by 30%. Integration with the factory is managed through a technological control tower that monitors all logistics stages in real-time, from loading to delivery at international terminals.

The technology enables proactive solutions in case of ship delays or warehouse storage shortages. Truck drivers receive scheduled delivery times, reducing delays and additional port costs.

The terminal spans 53,000 square meters, with a storage capacity of up to 150,000 tons of cellulose and the ability to handle more than 3 million tons annually. Around 150 employees work at the terminal, including operators, assistants, administrative staff, and customs documentation specialists. “We also employ temporary workers for quay operations and ship loading,” explains Marcelo Falcão, the terminal’s Logistics Manager.

Loading ships is a fast-paced operation. Productivity averages 18,000 to 20,000 tons per day, depending on ship size and capacity. “For example, a ship carrying 14,000 tons can be loaded in less than 24 hours, while larger vessels with up to 40,000 tons take more time,” Falcão explains. He adds that 55% of the cargo is shipped as breakbulk, while the rest goes in containers.

Evolution Flavio da Rocha Costa, Logistics Director at the EBLog Terminal, says Eldorado Brasil’s export growth with the new Santos terminal marks a strategic milestone for the company.

“The terminal’s modern, efficient infrastructure significantly increases delivery capacity and speeds up shipments, reducing logistics costs and optimizing lead times. The Port of Santos’ strategic location, combined with the technology at the new terminal, enables smoother, safer, and more sustainable operations, strengthening Eldorado’s competitiveness on the international stage.”

According to him, EBLog’s high operational efficiency is grounded in strategic factors such as rigorous planning and standardized processes, essential for seamless logistics across the entire supply chain. “This includes precise inventory management, streamlined cargo flow control, and efficient execution of loading operations. The terminal’s automation is another critical factor contributing to its success.”