La Importación Contenerizada de Vehículos. Caso de Estudio: Vehicentro

Abstract

The economic crisis triggered by the pandemic caused logistical challenges for imports worldwide, significantly affecting high-volume sectors such as the automotive industry. This study focuses on Vehicentro S.A., one of the main vehicle importers in Ecuador, which experienced increased costs and transit times associated with the Roll-On/Roll-Off (Ro-Ro) transport method. This method involves loading and unloading vehicles directly onto vessels, proved less efficient amid the restrictions and challenges posed during the crisis, leading the company to consider containerized imports as a strategic alternative. The objective of this article is to examine the effect of the containerized method on the import costs of Vehicentro S.A. during the 2021-2022, using a descriptivecomparative approach. The results indicate that although the costs of the Ro-Ro and containerized methods do not show significant differences, the containerized method provides a notable reduction in transit times. This process stands out as a viable and efficient alternative for Ecuadorian companies that import vehicles, as it reduces logistics times and optimizes operating costs, even in critical global contexts.