With nearly ten years of experience in commodities logistics across Latin America, Rhenus Logistics has developed an offering focused on comprehensive solutions for food commodities and other sensitive cargoes, leveraging operational expertise, planning, and flexibility in a market characterized by volatility and disruptions. Carolina Pérez, Commodities and Chartering Manager at the company, explained that timing, quality preservation, and logistics coordination are critical factors in this segment.

“Commodities are essential-volume cargoes,” she noted, adding that many of these products form part of the basic food basket in various countries. In this context, she explained that meeting all deadlines throughout the supply chain and ensuring operational synchronization are key to preserving food quality and preventing losses.

The executive detailed that Rhenus Logistics handles products such as sugar, rice, coffee, PET resins, milk powder, meat, fruit, and coal, managing both exports and imports, as well as cross-trade operations between different countries in the region. “We provide customers with a global and integrated service throughout the entire supply chain,” she emphasized.

One of the products in which the company has developed particular expertise is sugar. Pérez explained that a significant part of this know-how stems from her previous experience in the sugar industry, which has helped strengthen the company’s logistics capabilities in this market.

The company operates across several Latin American markets. In Chile, for example, it transports sugar and oats to destinations such as Peru and Europe, while in Argentina it participates in overland sugar shipments to Chile and the movement of milk powder, among other products. In Central America, major flows include sugar and coffee exports from Guatemala, Nicaragua, and El Salvador to the United States and other regional markets.

Regarding the main operational challenges, Pérez noted that threats such as high temperatures, humidity, delays, or congestion can directly affect product quality, particularly in the case of perishable food products. To address these risks, she stressed that planning and preparation are essential. “We try to anticipate everything before launching any operation,” she said, adding that the company maintains partnerships with ports and logistics operators in different countries to respond quickly to contingencies. “Our experience in handling commodities has been key to mitigating all these risks,” she stated.

An Integrated Approach

Rhenus Logistics’ offering includes ocean freight, inland transportation, warehousing, inventory management, port operations, and customs brokerage services. According to Pérez, this integrated approach allows producers to focus on their core business while the company manages the entire logistics process.

She also pointed out that “commodity prices are highly sensitive” and explained that “any additional cost has a considerable impact on the final value of the goods,” which is why the company seeks to minimize unexpected expenses through careful planning and pre-coordinated operational schemes.

In the chartering segment, Rhenus Logistics utilizes both bulk carriers and multipurpose/general cargo vessels, particularly in situations involving container shortages or port congestion. “Chartering is a way to move cargo quickly,” Pérez commented, noting that this option is applied to bulk cargoes, bagged cargo, and big bags.

A Sector Where Volatility Is Constant

Addressing the complex international environment marked by geopolitical conflicts, freight rate volatility, and climate-related events, Pérez stated that adaptability will become increasingly important for the sector. “Change and volatility are inevitable and a constant reality,” she said. Nevertheless, she highlighted that the company has been able to build competitive advantages through freight negotiations, operational agreements, and differentiated services at port terminals.

Added to this are the effects of climate conditions on regional agricultural production. Droughts, extreme rainfall, and domestic disruptions, such as those currently affecting Bolivia, are expected to continue shaping trade flows across the region in the coming months.

Against this backdrop, Pérez noted that the company has the capability to rapidly realign its operations and adapt to new origins or markets. “If today we are in Colombia, tomorrow we can be in Peru or Central America, depending on how the market reconfigures itself,” she said.

Finally, Pérez summarized that the hallmark of Rhenus Logistics lies in “its agility in responding” and its ability to create competitive advantages for its customers. “At Rhenus, we are ready to serve you,” she concluded.