The present study aims to investigate the hypothesis that there are discrepancies between the freights charged by the major actors involved in cargo road transportation in Brazil (companies, carrier owners and cooperative). Therefore, the present study aims to identify possible distortions in the freight rates paid and the costs inherent in the operation, considering the transport of general cargo from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro as the object of study. Consequently, different methodologies for calculating freights of cargo transportation were analyzed in order to identify the costs involved in this type of operation, as well as all the features and peculiarities involved, defining a method of calculation of all costs involved in this type of transport operation. As a result, it became possible to estimate a final freight value that would be fair to pay all costs involved in the transport operation. Comparisons were also made between the actual freight charged by owner operators and the values that should be practiced in fact if they actually managed all operating costs of transport. Finally, a reduction in profitability was verified for all players in this market, but there are indications that carrier owners are the most harmed.
road cargo transportation; freights; owner operators