Freight Logistics

Freight transport and logistics performance is critical to the competitiveness of countries’ businesses and the national economy on a global scale. With a few exceptions, Latin American and Caribbean countries experience proportionally higher logistics costs than the United States, Europe and Asia. Poor transportation networks, supply chain inefficiencies and lack of specialized logistic infrastructure and services also contribute to high inventory levels.

The IDB finances programs that help its member countries design public policies and incentives for better freight transport management, invest in freight and logistics specialized infrastructures (logistics platforms, multimodal transport platforms, consolidation centers) and develop national logistics policies and plans.

The IDB also supports city logistics strategies and plans, the implementation of efficient policies and incentives for private investment in logistics infrastructure and increasing access to ports and airports. Together with Trade Facilitation measures aiming at removing obstacles at international borders and increased export competitiveness and productivity, the Bank sets forward the path for freight logistics innovation in the region and much-needed freight transport services and specialization.

*Recent Logistics projects map