Global freight forwarding and logistics services provider SEKO recently announced it has expanded its global logistics network in South America, with the opening of its SEKO-Brazil office in San Paulo.

This office will provide SEKO with various freight forwarding services in the South American marketplace, according to the company. SEKO’s other South America-based offices are located in Colombia, Chile and Argentina. These offices focus on transportation services and foreign trade within their local markets.

“The United States is one of Brazil’s largest trade countries,” said Randy Sinker, SEKO vice president of international operations. “Brazil has an excellent infrastructure to support the increased international trade in several industries, including machinery parts, steel, iron ore, textiles, footwear, coffee and sugarcane. Sao Paulo, Brazil is one of our necessary gateways both in the South American market and globally.”

SEKO-Brazil will be headed up by managing director Laurenco Cortico, who will oversee a team of 15 staffers. The office will provide customized supply chain services for shipments of various sizes via ocean, ground and air transportation. Other services include: logistics consulting, customs brokerage services, import/export documentation, customs clearance declarations, bill of lading issuance, warehousing and negotiation of freight rates.

Sinker said that SEKO is competing with most major transportation players in Brazil, including FedEx, UPS and Eagle Global. He noted that what differentiates SEKO from its competition is the entrepreneurial business model with independently owned and operated offices.

“The Brazil facility has an established foothold in the local market and has embraced the SEKO brand to become a streamlined partner in the network,” said Sinker.