Logistics Operations
Mercado Libre Expands its Logistics Operations in Brazil
By the end of the year, more regions will benefit from faster, more affordable, and sustainable deliveries.
Logistics Operations
Mercado Libre, the leading e-commerce platform in Latin America, has announced a significant expansion of its logistics operation in Brazil, with more than a 100% increase in the number of Fulfillment Distribution Centers. The company currently operates 10 distribution centers in the country and plans to expand to 21 units by the end of 2025. This initiative is part of a R$23 billion investment plan aimed at improving local operations and expanding logistics infrastructure.
“With the new Fulfillment units, which together span an area equivalent to approximately 120 football fields, we have increased the number of cities receiving same-day delivery by 40%,”
“Through this expansion, we’re not only optimizing the consumer experience but also strengthening our commitment to Brazil’s socio economic development by creating jobs and contributing to the growth of local economies.”
New Units
Of the new units, 63% will expand coverage in the Northeast, Midwest, and South regions of the country. States such as Rio Grande do Sul, Pernambuco, Ceará, Bahia, Paraná, Rio de Janeiro, and Distrito Federal are among those set to receive new distribution centers. The new operation in Pernambuco, for example, will enable same-day delivery for the Recife metropolitan area and delivery within 48 hours for Alagoas, Paraíba, Ceará, and other regions in the Northeast. In Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre will benefit from same-day deliveries, while cities such as Pelotas, Santa Maria, and Passo Fundo will have next-day delivery options. Shipping costs will also be reduced by up to 50%, depending on the region.
“This initiative reinforces our commitment to delivering a better shopping experience to more regions in Brazil, further democratizing access to e-commerce and connecting millions of people with an increasingly efficient and affordable service”
Sustainable Mobility
As Mercado Libre expands its operations in Brazil and across Latin America, the company is focused on reducing the environmental impact of its deliveries by transitioning to a more sustainable logistics model. In 2023, the electric fleet in Latin America grew by 20% compared to the previous year, with a substantial 30% increase in Brazil, totaling 2,800 vehicles, making it the largest private electric fleet in the region.
“We believe in the potential of Brazil and Latin America to grow sustainably, and we are committed to decarbonizing our operations, combining innovation with low environmental impact,” states Ariel Katz, Senior Environmental Manager at Mercado Libre.
To accelerate the shift to low-carbon logistics, Mercado Libre has partnered with Newlab, a U.S.-based innovation lab that fosters collaboration among entrepreneurs, scientists, and experts to develop cutting-edge technologies. In 2023, it launched a call for project proposals for startups focused on disruptive logistics solutions, attracting 128 organizations, the majority from Latin America, with nearly 80% of the projects eligible for implementation starting in 2024.
Another area of investment has focused on alternative fuels and technologies to improve efficiency. Learn more about this initiative and discover other sustainable actions by Mercado Libre.
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