MRS Logística, ONE launch intermodal corridor to Port of Santos

A new 213-km rail link between the industrial hub of Campinas and the Port of Santos is now operational, facilitating modal transfer along one of Brazil’s most heavily strained logistics corridors and opening a more predictable and sustainable alternative for container transport.

MRS Logística and Ocean Network Express (ONE) have launched a new intermodal corridor connecting Paulínia, in São Paulo state, to the Port of Santos, Brazil’s main maritime gateway.

The solution is based on an integrated door-to-port model. Cargo is trucked from the Campinas industrial cluster to the Katoen Natie terminal in Paulínia, which operates as an inland dry port, then moved by rail for 213 km to Santos, where it is connected to ONE’s global shipping network.

After an initial shipment carried out in December 2025, the operation is currently in a testing phase using live cargo from a multinational chemical company, with expectations of reaching full capacity in the coming months.

The service was designed to meet the needs of sectors with demanding logistics requirements, including chemicals, perishables, consumer goods and industrial cargo, including special cargoes, expanding the potential use of rail in a market historically dominated by road transport.

Infrastructure and a shift in logistics

The Paulínia terminal plays a central role in the operation, providing specialized infrastructure for intermodal transfers between road and rail. By taking cargo off the congested highways of São Paulo’s interior, the new rail link is expected to improve logistics predictability and reduce CO2 emissions per TEU transported.

“We are helping more companies consider rail transport in their logistics chains. It is a solution that combines efficiency, sustainability and competitiveness in container transport,” said Marco Dornelas, commercial account manager for containers at MRS.

From ONE’s perspective, the project is a strategic step in the region. “The integration of rail transport allows us to optimize cargo flows between inland São Paulo and the Port of Santos, offering a more efficient alternative with lower environmental impact,” said Vivian Garcia, new business development manager for ONE Latin America.

More than just a new route, the project has scale potential. The solution could be expanded to new clients and cargo flows, reinforcing the role of rail in São Paulo’s hinterland and accelerating the adoption of intermodal models in one of Latin America’s most important industrial regions.

At a time of mounting pressure on costs, sustainability and operational resilience, this kind of modal integration is likely to gain traction, especially in geographies where dependence on road transport still limits supply-chain efficiency.

Source: Supply Magazine

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