TLN remains vigilant about unbearable costs of intermodal transport 31/07/24
< Back to listSource: https://www.tln.nl/actueel/tln-blijft-scherp-op-ondragelijke-kosten-intermodaal-vervoer
TLN remains vigilant about unbearable costs of intermodal transport
TLN expresses its concern about the recent decision of the Netherlands Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM), which allows rail infrastructure manager ProRail to make rail freight transport more expensive.
According to TLN, the levy puts a spanner in the works of the modal shift to intermodal rail transport, which the government wants to promote. The higher costs make it more difficult for transport companies to become more sustainable.
Already sky-high costs for intermodal rail transport
ProRail now has the opportunity to ask transport companies for extra money due to the increased costs for personnel, equipment and energy. This possible extra levy could be a possible addition to the already sky-high costs that were introduced earlier this year for the marshalling and shunting of trains.
Modal shift in reverse
TLN fears that the possible additional levy will worsen the competitiveness of intermodal rail transport, because rail carriers will pass on the costs to their customers. These are often other transporters and logistics service providers. This makes the intermodal chain less attractive.
Under the current circumstances, it is difficult to convince companies to opt for a much more expensive transport option, especially now that everything is becoming more expensive. According to TLN, if the government wants to avoid a definitive 'reverse modal shift', another compensation for the rising costs will have to be provided by the infrastructure manager.