VLI

What VLI does

VLI S.A. is a privately held Brazilian integrated multimodal logistics operator founded in 2010 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vale S.A., later recapitalized with Brookfield (36.5%), Vale (29.6%), FI-FGTS (15.9%), Mitsui (10%), and BNDESPar (8%) as shareholders. The company operates under government-granted concessions for the North-South Railway (FNS) and Center-Atlantic Railway (FCA), managing nearly 8,000 km of rail infrastructure across 300+ municipalities in 10 Brazilian states, alongside three strategic port terminals (Tiplam in Santos, TPSL in São Luís, TMIB in Vitória) and a network of integrator terminals.

VLI generates revenue through usage-based rail freight (priced per ton-kilometer, totaling ~15 billion TKU annually), transaction-based port terminal handling, road transport services via its proprietary Trato digital platform, and maritime chartering. The customer base is heavily concentrated in Brazilian B2B enterprise accounts across agribusiness (Cargill, ADM, Bunge, Cofco, Amaggi, Caramuru), sugar/ethanol (Tereos under a 30-year contract, bp bioenergy, Copersucar), fertilizers (Mosaic, EuroChem, OCP Africa), mining and steel (Vale, Usiminas, Gerdau, Aperam), fuel distribution (Petrobras, Raízen, Ipiranga), and pulp/forestry (LD Celulose). In FY2023, VLI reported net revenue of R$9.1 billion (19% YoY growth, a company record), handled 34.4 million tons of grains/soybean meal and 9.3 million tons of forestry/pulp products, and reinvested approximately R$2.0 billion in operating asset maintenance.

The company's technology stack centers on a digital and AI-augmented logistics platform: Trato (road logistics orchestration, having managed 2 million+ trips in 4 years), Fuelytics (fuel optimization via mathematical modeling, saving 940,000 liters of diesel in one year), Speed (AI-powered ship loading/unloading planner, reducing equipment idle time by up to 62% and winning the 2024 Inovativos Award), Project Leader (semi-autonomous locomotive energy optimization), and SemC (rail-based carbon credit service for clients). The Inova VLI hub houses intrapreneurship, open innovation, and corporate venture programs, including a 2023 investment in agritech startup Brasil Agritest. VLI holds ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, and 37001 certifications and operates under Brazil's LGPD data protection regime.

Name

VLI

Legal name

VLI S.A.

Website

https://vli-logistica.com.br

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

VLI is a Brazilian integrated multimodal logistics operator combining ~8,000 km of rail freight (FNS, FCA), three port terminals, and road transport to serve agribusiness, steel, mining, fertilizer, and fuel clients across 10 states.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Multimodal Rail Freight and Port Logistics

NAICS

Freight Transportation Arrangement (48851), Marine Cargo Handling (488320), Support Activities for Transportation (488)

SIC

Railroads, Line-Haul Operating (4011), Arrangement Of Transportation Of Freight & Cargo (4731), Public Warehousing & Storage (4220)

akta.pro primary industry

Managed Transportation Services (MTS) / Outsourced TMS Operations (TLAIAEAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Industrial Minerals & Chemicals (Non-Haz Bulk Powders) Transport (TLADAKAJ)

Keywords

• Multimodal logistics services
• Rail freight transportation
• Port terminal operations
• Integrated logistics solutions
• Intermodal terminal operations

Headquarters

HQ city

Belo Horizonte

HQ country

Brazil

HQ region

Latin America

Offices15 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Rail Freight Transportation: Primary revenue stream from freight transportation via railway networks (FNS and FCA), charging based on volume and distance (TKU - tons per useful kilometer).
2. Port Terminal Operations: Revenue from handling, storage, and loading/unloading services at port terminals (Santos/Tiplam, São Luís/TPSL, Vitória/TMIB).
3. Road Transport Services: Road transport solutions managed through the Trato platform, including multimodal integration services.
4. Maritime Chartering: Chartering services providing vessels for export, import, and cabotage cargo transportation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

VLI provides integrated multimodal logistics services in Brazil through a combined network of two government-concessioned railways (Ferrovia Norte-Sul and Ferrovia Centro-Atlântica), port terminals (Tiplam, TPSL, TMIB), intermodal terminals, and digital road transport management via the Trato platform. The company transports agricultural commodities (grains, sugar), fertilizers, fuels, forestry products, steel, and minerals between production regions and export ports across 10 Brazilian states.

Product overview

VLI is a sustainable multimodal logistics company offering integrated transportation solutions through a system of railways (Ferrovia Norte-Sul and Ferrovia Centro-Atlântica), intermodal terminals, and port terminals. The core product portfolio includes TRATO (road logistics optimization platform), Speed (AI-powered ship planning system), and Fuelytics (fuel optimization tool). Additional offerings include SemC (carbon credit service), Chartering (maritime services), and storage solutions. VLI operates a digital ecosystem with 40+ Industry 4.0 projects through its Inova VLI innovation hub, supporting multimodal operations across North, Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest Brazil.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Inova VLI: VLI's Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation Hub and accelerator program, including initiatives such as Inova VLI Entrepreneurs Program, Inova VLI Ventures & Seeds, and Inovação Aberta.
• Trato
• Fuelytics
• Speed
• SemC
• Alô VLI

Products and services

• Rail Freight Transportation Multimodal rail freight transportation across nearly 8,000 km of concessioned railway (FNS and FCA), connecting production regions to export ports across 10 Brazilian states. Volume measured in TKU (tons per useful kilometer). Annual railway volume of 14.9 billion TKU.
• Port Terminal Operations Direct operation of strategic port terminals at Santos (Tiplam), São Luís (TPSL at Porto do Itaqui), and Vitória (TMIB), providing cargo handling, storage, and loading/unloading services for export and import of commodities. Tiplam handles 20% of Baixada Santista sugar exports.
• Intermodal Terminal Operations Network of integrator terminals (Porto Franco in Maranhão, TIPA in Palmeirante/Tocantins, TIPN in Porto Nacional/Tocantins, Uberaba in Minas Gerais, Guará in São Paulo) for grain and fertilizer transshipment between rail and road transport. Combined throughput of Palmeirante and Porto Nacional terminals grew 320% from 1.9 million tons (2016) to 8 million tons (2025).
• Trato Platform (Road Transport Solutions) Digital logistics optimization platform for road transport operations, managing end-to-end road freight from planning and hiring services to execution and payment. Has managed 2 million road transport trips over 4 years.
• Speed (Ship Loading and Unloading Planning System) AI-powered port planning tool that uses naval calculations and Artificial Intelligence to simulate operational scenarios and develop optimized cargo handling plans, balancing port capacity with vessel stability requirements. Reduced equipment idle time by up to 62% and increased commercial rate by 2%.
• Maritime Chartering Services (Afretamento) Maritime chartering services providing vessels for export, import, and cabotage cargo transportation, expanding VLI's integrated multimodal logistics offering into the maritime sector.
• Storage Services (Armazena) Storage solutions for agricultural commodities at integrator terminals including warehouses co-created with Tereos at Tiplam and Guará terminals.
• SemC Carbon Neutralization Service Carbon credit integration service that helps clients neutralize greenhouse gas emissions from transport operations by associating carbon credits with rail operations, providing full traceability and auditability.

Quantifiable outcome

• 15% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per ton transported by 2030
• +11 more outcomes

Named customers27 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability7 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• VportscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 April 2026Partnership to create railway-port integration for ferro-gusa exports from Espírito Santo. R$ 16 million investment in railway moega (unloading structure). Connects Estrada de Ferro Vitória a Minas (EFVM) and FCA to Vports port terminals. Enables shipment of larger vessels due to port depth.
• MultiliftcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 April 2026Partnership for ferro-gusa transport logistics in Espírito Santo. Multilift operates port, storage, and road transport operations, connected to VLI railway system via Vports moega. Direct connection to Porto de Vitória for export.
• bp bioenergy (bp Bunge Bioenergia)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 April 2026Long-term multimodal sugar transport partnership. VLI transports sugar from bp bioenergy's 9 sugar mills in São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Goiás to Tiplam port for export. VLI handles 20% of Baixada Santista sugar exports. 6.4 million tons transported over 5 harvests. Trato platform provides road transport from mills to VLI terminals.
• Embrapa CerradoscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2022LabCerrado program partnership to promote agricultural innovation in Brazilian Cerrado. Combines VLI's logistics infrastructure with Embrapa's research capabilities. Focus on regenerative agriculture, no-till farming, bio-inputs, and integrated production systems. Aims to create agricultural innovation network in regions connected to VLI's logistics network.
• SENAI (Serviço Nacional de Aprendizagem Industrial)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2021Partnership to offer vocational training courses (Electrical Industrial, Mechanical Fitting) in Imperatriz, Maranhão. VLI provides corporate vouchers for training. Courses include exclusive classes for women as part of diversity commitment. Program part of Federal Government's Emprega Mais initiative.
• TereoscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 April 202130-year contract for sugar transport from interior São Paulo to coast. VLI co-created new warehouses at Tiplam and Guará terminals with Tereos. 955,000 tons of sugar moved in 12 months using these facilities. Tereos is a major French cooperative in sugar, ethanol, and starch production.
• Instituto EthosminorOthers · 1 April 2021VLI signed Corporate Pact for Integrity and Against Corruption, commitment to promote ethical market practices and reduce corruption. Includes annual self-assessment on corruption prevention and compliance.
• Instituto de Pesca (APTA)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Technical support partnership for Our Fishing Bait Initiative in Baixada Santista (Santos, São Vicente, Cubatão, Guarujá). Program teaches local fishermen to farm shrimp and lambari fish for sport fishing bait sales. Provides alternative income source while strengthening local economy and culture.
• Fundepag (Fundação de Desenvolvimento da Pesquisa Agricola)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Partner supporting fishing bait initiative in Baixada Santista region. Works with Instituto de Pesca to provide technical assistance for aquaculture training program.
• UN Global CompactminorOthers · 1 January 2021VLI joined UN Global Compact 100% Transparency Movement in 2025, reaffirming dedication to transparency and integrity. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
• AIC (Agência de Iniciativas Cidadãs)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2020Safety nos Trilhos (Safety on Rails) project partnership to promote railway safety awareness in communities near FCA railway. Activities include educational blitze, theatrical processions, and discussion circles in cities across Minas Gerais and São Paulo. Funded through Federal Cultural Incentive Law (Lei Rouanet).

Scale indicators27 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Rumo S.A. Brazil's largest rail logistics operator (RAIL3), running Rumo Malha Norte, Paulista, Sul, and Oeste plus integrated terminals and a Brado container-rail subsidiary. Direct competitor to VLI on grain, sugar, and fertilizer corridors connecting interior Brazil to Santos and Paranaguá.
• MRS Logística: Heavy-haul rail operator in the Southeast iron-ore/steel corridor between Minas Gerais and the Port of Itaguaí/Rio. Closely comparable to VLI's FCA East Corridor in customers (steel, mining) and integrated rail+port model.
• Hidrovias do Brasil: Brazilian inland waterway logistics operator (HBSA3) moving grains, fertilizers, and minerals via Tietê-Paraná and Paraguay-Paraná waterways. Comparable multimodal bulk-logistics model serving the same agribusiness shippers competing with VLI's rail+port network.
• Santos Brasil: Operator of the Tecon Santos container terminal at the Port of Santos, plus Tecon Imbituba. Direct port-terminal peer to VLI's TIPLAM at the same port complex, sharing the same hinterland cargo flows.
• Brado Logística: Rumo's container-rail logistics subsidiary operating intermodal terminals and dedicated block trains. Closely comparable to VLI's Trato platform in serving shippers with rail+road intermodal solutions.

Broad incumbents

• Vale S.A. Global mining major that founded VLI in 2010 and retains a 29.6% stake while being a major mining customer. Operates EFVM and EFC rail corridors and owns its own ports (Tubarão), making it both shareholder/customer and a competing integrated rail+port operator.
• DP World: Global port and logistics operator with a major terminal (Brasil Terminal Portuário / DP World Santos) at the Port of Santos. Competes with VLI's TIPLAM for containerized and bulk cargo handling in the same gateway port.

Regional players

• Vports: Brazilian port operator in Espírito Santo partnered with VLI on the R$16M ferro-gusa moega and railway-port integration for export via Porto de Vitória. Adjacent port infrastructure peer competing for the same steel/mining flows in Southeast Brazil.
• Wilson Sons: Brazilian port and towage operator (PORT3) with terminals and harbor services across multiple Brazilian ports. Comparable port-operating capability in the same coastal footprint where VLI runs Tiplam, TPSL, and TMIB.

Emerging players

• Bamin (Bahia Mineração): Brazilian integrated iron-ore mining and logistics operator developing the FIOL (Ferrovia de Integração Oeste-Leste) railway and Porto Sul. Emerging peer with a similar rail-plus-port concession model for bulk commodity exports.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/vlilogistica
• Facebookfacebook.com/VLILogisticaIntegrada
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/2401836
• Instagraminstagram.com/vli_logistica

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about VLI