São Paulo Manufacturing: Stay Ahead of Cargo Theft with Actionable Intelligence

São Paulo, the industrial heartbeat of Brazil, is a critical hub for the manufacturing sector. With a sprawling urban landscape and a complex security environment, companies operating here face unique challenges, from cargo theft to optimizing security budgets under tight margins. The Pinkerton Crime Index (PCI) offers a groundbreaking tool to navigate these risks with data-driven precision, helping manufacturers protect assets, reduce costs, and enhance operational efficiency. 

Sao Paulo: A Manufacturing Powerhouse 

São Paulo, covering an area of approximately 1,521 square kilometers, is home to over an estimated 22.9 million people within the metropolitan area, representing a 0.8% increase from 2024. As of 2025, this megacity ranks as the fifth largest city in the world, the largest city in the Southern Hemisphere and in Latin America, edging out Mexico City, whose population is an estimated 22.75 million, ranking as the sixth most populous city in the world.

“When it comes to manufacturing, Sao Paulo is the heavyweight,” said Paulo Gregoire, Pinkerton Director in Brazil.  

As Brazil's economic engine, it contributes significantly to the national GDP, with the manufacturing sector playing a pivotal role. This sector accounts for roughly 20% of the state's GDP — with a forecasted GDP growth of 2.3% for 2025 — generating billions annually through industries like automotive, aerospace, textiles, electronics, and other consumer goods, as well as through niche and bespoke manufactured items destined for domestic markets and exporting to regions such as North America, Europe, and neighboring Latin American countries. Thousands of manufacturing companies operate in São Paulo, equating to a 26.81% share of Brazil’s manufacturing industry, 30% of Brazil's total GDP, with a staggering $664 billion in 2023, making it the 22nd largest economy in the world if considered independently. Entrepreneurship is booming in São Paulo, with 309,934 new businesses established by October 2024.  

However, the high volume of goods moving through distribution networks also makes the region a target for cargo theft and other property crimes, necessitating robust security strategies. 

Security Challenges and Risk Mitigation for Manufacturers

Manufacturers in São Paulo often operate on thin margins, especially amidst global trade tensions and tariffs, as highlighted by Paulo. Cargo theft remains a significant threat, with trucks carrying high-value goods — sometimes exceeding $1 million — being prime targets.  

“Because of the manufacturing industry, there is a lot of movement of goods between São Paulo and the Port of Santos, Brazil’s largest port in Brazil,” said Paulo.  

The Port of Santos, located 70 km from São Paulo in São Paulo state, serves as a pivotal gateway for national and international trade. Connecting Brazil to over 600 ports in 200 countries, it plays an essential role in the nation's economy. It ranks 40th among the largest global container ports and is recognized as Brazil’s most important foreign trade route.

In January 2025, the port set a record by processing 460,800 containers, contributing to an impressive annual handling of over 4.44 million TEUs. In 2023, the port managed 173 million tons of cargo and 5 million TEUs. The port supports five states that collectively generate 50% of Brazil’s GDP and facilitates nearly 29% of the country’s trade flow, equating to USD 165.8 billion.  

Crime Data for Secure Route Planning and Supply Chain Management 

The state of São Paulo and the Port of Santos are also considered among the most severe regions regarding cargo theft worldwide, according to a 2023 study of cargo theft by T.J. Aransiola, M. Justus, and V. Ceccato. In the year 2019 alone, the median value of economic losses due to cargo theft in South America was $100,000.  

“Cargo theft is a big issue in Brazil, a big issue,” said Paulo. “Notably, most cargo theft occurs during transport.”  

Paulo shared a compelling example from 2019, where one client was repeatedly victimized and needed to update their cargo theft prevention strategies. By analyzing crime statistics and patterns, we identified that the thefts occurred along predictable, repetitive routes and timings. Instead of additional security investments, such as increasing spending on security measures like personnel and vehicles, the client introduced unarmed security measures and adjusted their schedules and routes, breaking away from the routine that made them vulnerable. This reduced cargo theft incidents by over 60%.  

“While this was achieved through manual analysis,” Paulo said, “Imagine if we had PCI then. Using PCI as a crime analytics tool for logistics, such outcomes could be achieved faster and more effectively, providing deeper crime data insights to help organizations choose the most secure paths for their shipments.” 

For example, São Paulo PCI Total Crime Index scores range from 0.28x to 1.13x, compared to the national average of 1.0x. Total Crime Risk has decreased 20% over the last year and decreased 36% over the last five years. The Port of Santos has a PCI Total Crime Index score of 2.35x. While crime also decreased during the same period, the port’s crime risk score is still considered high. Robbery accounts for nearly 60% of crime in the area. 

How the Pinkerton Crime Index Helps Manufacturers in Route Planning 

Determining the optimal number of security personnel and planning safe distribution routes are persistent challenges. Without reliable, up-to-date crime data, companies risk over- or under-investing in security, impacting both safety and profitability. 

For manufacturing executives in São Paulo — whether local or foreign — security isn’t just about protection; it’s about sustaining profitability in a competitive landscape. Updated monthly, PCI delivers the actionable intelligence needed to stay ahead of crime risks, optimize budgets, and support the safe movement of goods. By planning routes based on current crime data, manufacturers can minimize losses and avoid costly delays. As Paulo noted, PCI’s ability to capture crime trends makes it an indispensable tool for any company looking to thrive in this dynamic market.  

Ready to transform your security strategy? Connect with Pinkerton today to learn how PCI can work for you.