Luís Simões and its client Sidul, Portugal’s largest sugar refinery, have consolidated an e-CMR model that has enabled them to digitalise virtually all documentation associated with the transportation of goods between both companies’ facilities.
Luís Simões provides Sidul with integrated warehousing and distribution services, including FTL (Full Truck Load) and LTL (Less Than Truck Load) operations across the Iberian Peninsula, as well as container transport services. This e-CMR project, implemented since early 2024, applies specifically to the main transport operation between Sidul’s production plant, located in Póvoa de Santa Iria, and the logistics operator’s warehouses.
Digitalisation and Efficiency Transforming Transport
The implementation of e-CMR is part of Luís Simões’ process digitalisation strategy and aims to increase operational efficiency through the gradual replacement of paper-based documentation with electronic systems.
Key improvements achieved include a reduction in paper usage, enhanced access to traceability data and document retrieval, as well as greater agility in administrative processes related to invoicing, incident management and information exchange between the different stakeholders within the logistics chain.
In addition to optimising day-to-day operations, the digitalisation of consignment notes also represents a significant step forward in the sector’s transformation, fostering a more connected industry that is better prepared to meet future European regulatory requirements.
A Success Story Selected by IMT
The system jointly developed by Luís Simões and Sidul was selected to participate in a pilot project promoted by the Portuguese Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT) as part of the European eFTI (electronic Freight Transport Information) initiative, designed to digitalise freight transport information and make it available to enforcement and inspection authorities.
In July, a live operational test was carried out to validate the eFTI model in a real logistics environment. The exercise involved the participation of IMT, the National Republican Guard (GNR), Luís Simões and their respective technical teams.
Specifically, the pilot project involved the transportation of goods from Sidul’s facilities to Luís Simões’ Azambuja 3 logistics platform. The exercise enabled the testing of electronic transport information during a roadside inspection, the assessment of authorities’ access to and verification of transport documentation, and the evaluation of its suitability to meet the operational requirements of both the GNR and IMT.
The results obtained will serve as the foundation for the development of Portugal’s future National eFTI Portal and will also contribute to the progressive implementation of an information exchange model based on the electronic sharing of transport data. This approach seeks to streamline administrative procedures, reduce documentary burden and facilitate the movement of goods.
“The collaboration between Luís Simões and Sidul within the scope of the e-CMR project demonstrates both companies’ commitment to a more sustainable, secure and integrated logistics model. Extending this experience to the eFTI project represents another step forward in a shared journey focused on driving the digital transformation of the sector,” said Bruno Vilar, Director of Innovation and Transport Projects at Luís Simões.
