Evaluation of the operational efficiency of southeast intermodal terminals in the grain logistics chain using data envelopment analysis

Abstract

This paper aimed to investigate the performance of intermodal terminals located in Southeastern Brazil, verifying their efficiency levels in logistics operations of grain agricultural crop runoff, using data envelopment analysis (DEA). The results show only 25% of terminals with total and pure technical efficiency, which are able, therefore, to use their inputs efficiently, without incurring large losses. The inefficient ones only present pure technical efficiency, suggesting they are likely to present scale inefficiency of operations. The analysis of terminals has shown that a better operational productivity can be obtained in relation to the use of their structure and available resources.