Source: https://trans.info/en/combined-transport-2023-392712

UIRR report shows combined transport consignments fell 10% in 2023

The new report details changes in demand across different routes, and spells out the present-day challenges in combined transport.

According to the 2023-24 (International Union for Road-Rail Combined Transport) UIRR Report, the UIRR community experienced a contraction of 10.57% in consignments transported, translating to a 9.39% loss in tonne-kilometres.

The figures constitute just one small part of the aforementioned report, which highlights the significant challenges faced by the industry, including disruptions caused by infrastructure works, natural disasters, strikes, and geopolitical crises.

A challenging year for combined transport

The report findings show that 2023 proved to be a difficult year for combined transport in Europe.

The UIRR members dealt with 10.57% less consignments, which resulted in a decline of 9.39% in tonne-kilometres – performance levels last seen prior to the pandemic.

According to the authors of the report, the negative trend began with the energy crisis in late 2022, and was later compounded by numerous infrastructure works that severely impacted freight train capacity and punctuality.

“Natural and man-made disruptions culminated at the expense of the Combined Transport community,” stated UIRR Director General Ralf-Charley Schultze.

The ongoing war in Ukraine, global trade disruptions involving China and the Red Sea, and overall weak economic output further exacerbated the situation.

Additionally, the cost competitiveness of door-to-door combined transport declined compared to long-distance road haulage due to the higher costs of traction electricity and rail infrastructure access charges.

Changes in demand for different combined transport routes

The data in the report also reveals significant fluctuations among the different European combined transport routes.

The routes AT-HU and SI-SK exhibited the most substantial increases, with +115% and +111% growth in consignments respectively, highlighting a significant rise in the exchange of goods between Austria-Hungary and Slovenia-Slovakia.