New law for drivers might increase the demand for transport to northern and northeastern Brazil via Rio Grande port   The Logistics Committee of the Furniture Industry Association of Bento Gonçalves (Sindmóveis) and the Furniture Industry Association of the State of Rio Grande do Sul (MOVERGS) will promote on September 4 a meeting with the staff of the Rio Grande Container Terminal (Tecon). The topics of discussion include the new law for drivers, which establishes a 30-minute break every four hours of work and an 11-hour break every twenty-four hours of work.   The president of Sindmóveis, Cátia Scarton, believes that the furniture industry is still heavily dependent on road transport, whose costs affect the competitiveness of the sector. According to her, transport companies have already increased their prices but more often than not the manufacturing industry cannot add this extra charge to their price. Moreover, the extension of delivery times may also affect the market. "The strong competition in the industry means that any change in costs affects our performance," she points out.   The representative of Tecon Rio Grande in Serra Gaúcha, Rodrigo Brunetto, explains that the increase in road freight caused by the requirements of the new law may lead to a greater demand for cabotage services  - shipping within the Brazilian coastal waters. According to Brunetto, maritime transport of cargo to the north and northeast, which was already financially more economical than road, may be even more advantageous.   In some cases, cost savings can reach up to 40%. "In the case of full container loads, a ship takes longer to reach its destination than a truck. However, when it comes to split deliveries – the greatest volume - the transit time of the ship becomes very competitive, and there is a decrease in the handling of merchandise as well as risks of cargo theft. Hence the need for establishing logistic partnerships in Rio Grande do Sul for the distribution of furniture," he says.    From January to June 2012, 287 containers were shipped. In addition to this topic, other issues that affect the cost/benefit of shipping will be discussed, including the integrity of the cargo transport, flexible delivery, insurance and breakdown cost and risk of theft. The reduction in carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere will also be addressed. The meeting will be held at 10:30 am, CIC-BG, auditorium B. Companies interested in participating should call 2102 6800 or email muriel@sindmoveis.com.br.