The pursuit of ever-faster deliveries is reshaping Brazil’s logistics landscape. While major distribution centers were once concentrated mainly in São Paulo and other state capitals, the growth of e-commerce and the rise of 24-hour delivery services are encouraging companies to establish operations closer to consumers, boosting the importance of mid-sized cities and regional hubs.

This trend can be seen across multiple fronts. In May, Amazon opened a new distribution center in Salvador, designed to serve the states of Bahia and Sergipe and enable same-day deliveries for consumers in Bahia. The company states that it already operates more than 300 industrial properties across Brazil and has accelerated its expansion into regions outside the country’s traditional logistics corridors.

Grupo Casas Bahia is following a similar path. The company reports that 43% of deliveries made through its online channel are already completed within 24 hours, supported by a network of 24 distribution centers, more than 120 cross-docking stations, and coverage across every municipality in Brazil.

According to Lessandro Herbert, owner of the Park 040 logistics park currently under development in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, the trend is a direct consequence of changing consumer behavior.

“Consumers throughout the country have become increasingly accustomed to shopping online and expect faster deliveries. Since Brazil relies heavily on its road transportation network, companies need to be close to the end customer to deliver efficiently and build loyalty,” he says.

According to Herbert, the shift is already noticeable in the Zona da Mata region of Minas Gerais. “We can see stores closing in central retail areas, along with a clear increase in both the frequency and diversity of online shopping behavior,” he explains.

The entrepreneur believes that strategically located cities will play a growing role in logistics supply chains. Juiz de Fora is positioned between the consumer markets of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Belo Horizonte, while also benefiting from direct access to the BR-040 highway, proximity to the Inland Customs Port (Porto Seco), and the Zona da Mata Regional Airport.

Decentralization is not limited to major retailers. Transportation companies are also expanding express delivery services into regional markets. Águia Branca Encomendas recently announced 24-hour delivery services to municipalities in the interior of Bahia, including Paratinga and Bom Jesus da Lapa, demonstrating that demand for speed has already reached locations far from major urban centers.