Evaluation of the Effects Occurred with the Reopening of the Beira-Moatize Railway Line on Companies: The Case of Carlos Mesquita Transport

Abstract

This article seeks to assess the potential effects of the reopening of the Beira-Moatize railway line on road transport, specifically on Transporter Carlos Mesquita (TCM). In order to carry out the study, several types of research were applied that facilitated obtaining the results, of which qualitative and exploratory research and the use of the interview technique stand out. As a result, it was found that the reopening of the railway did not significantly impact the financial situation of TCM, given the level of loyalty of its customers. On the other hand, there was a reduction in the volume of cargo handled shortly after the reopening, which stabilized over time, mainly due to the flexibility presented by road transport in terms of delivery time, in relation to rail. The main variable that affected the performance of TCM was the price charged by Mozambican Railways (CFM), which was lower than that charged by road hauliers, mainly due to the economies of scale generated by the high volume of cargo transported. Demand for rail services affected TCM's sales volume, generating a downward trend in financial flow. As a recommendation, road transport companies should look for markets that rail transport has not yet set as a destination, or where the delivery time is longer than road transport. On the other hand, innovation and the search for alternatives in the type of cargo handled can make the difference between these two modes of transport, making the difference in the competitiveness of both modes.