The Brazilian express operator Mercúrio, acquired one year ago by TNT Express, intends to extendits fleet by buying additional 100 trucks this year to keep up with the growing demand for road
transport in the growing Brazilian market.Mercúrio, which last year constructed a new hub in Joinville (SC), is also planning new hubsat Rio de Janeiro, Fortaleza and Recife this year.
The company said that in 2007 it had bought 97 trucks and 88 pick-up and delivery vans. Withthe new investment this year, Mercúrio will extend its fleet to 1,500 vehicles, mostly trucks andvans. Mercúrio also uses about 2,000 third-party vehicles depending on the time of the year.
“In 2008, the market should grow at a double-digit growth rate. It should be better or atleast at the same level as in 2007,” commented TNT/ Mercúrio managing director Robert Rodrigues.The Brazilian express delivery market had grown about 15% last year, he estimated.
However, Rodrigues preferred not to disclose the value of the investment to be made in 2008.
After focusing on reorganising, appointing new management and adapting to the TNT managementstyle last year, Mercúrio will focus more this year on growing its business, he added.
