70 LEGISLAÇÃO | LEGISLATION | LEGISLACIÓN Almost no one heard the announcement but if you do not pay close attention to the changes to transport legislation, from transit to the product, you run the risk of being penalized and threatening others’ security. “The rules for the sector cannot be ignored,” says Neuto Gonçalves dos Reis, executive technical director of the National Freight Transportation and Logistics Association (NTC&Logística). “ Even rules that apparently only concern traffic impact manufacturers, who may have to develop new products or adjust products already on the market.” And there are a lot of specific cases, such as one regarding an old lawsuit in the sugar industry. In December 2016, for example, the National Traffic Council (CONTRAN), issued Resolution 640 which increased the Combined Total Gross Weight of the cargo that can be transported under Special Transit Authorization on routes of up to 100 kilometers between cane fields and the mills from 74 to 91 tons. The move certainly poses challenges for implement manufacturers. There are several issues that need to be evaluated and decided on, such as length, height, number of axles, power of the truck and everything that relates to it. “The heaviest configuration would be 11 axles, but the temptation to put an extra axle on the current nine-axle compositions is huge, which makes adapted vehicles less safe. The ideal solution would be, especially for semi-trailers, to renew the components,” says the director of the NTC. Also at the end of 2016, Contran Resolution 552 was changed, regarding the securing of loads. Since January 1, the new regulations, in brief, have prohibited the use of ropes. They must be replaced by straps, chains or steel cables. Rope can only be used to tie the tarpaulin down. But that’s not all. The new rule also prohibits the use of fastening devices on wooden points or, even if they are metallic, from being attached to a wooden part of the vehicle body. “The resolution certainly interferes with the production of road implements, as it changes the practice in transportation, and also requires new standards for the production of wooden bodies. Now the fastening points must be in contact with crosspieces or the chassis,” sums up Reis. The new regulations on the subject of cargo tying establish that vehicles manufactured as of January 1, 2017 already comply. Vehicles in circulation have one more year to be adapted and must be ready from January 1, 2018. Opportunities and advantages Being aware of the new standards and quickly adapting to them could be a competitive advantage. There is also another benefit for companies that are up to date with the current regulations: the possibility to obtaining the ANFIR Seal of Compliance. The certificate provided by the association can boost business potential - after all, it lends credibility to the manufacturer. The seal indicates compliance by the company with the legal criteria related to the industry’s current tax regulations and labor laws, as well as the requirements for possible audits carried out by clients. Created in 2011, the seal also reinforces concepts of Brazilian product quality among buyers of implements, as well as the management processes adopted by the manufacturers. It attests to the company’s qualifications and is certified by an independent third party. For the market, the seal is a differential for the company that has it, leveraging business and increasing brand visibility. For buyers, it simplifies the process of analysis, as it focuses negotiations on aspects like prices and services, without there needing to be any time or money spent on subjects like the guarantee of the product being duly homologated and in accordance with certain specifications. Obeying the regulations in the transport segment not only avoids headaches, but also boosts your business potential Toe the line © Ponto & Letra
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