Combined Transport in Europe has decreased in Q2.2023 08/08/23

Source: https://intermodalnews.pl/2023/08/08/maleja-przewozy-kombinowane-w-europie/

In the second quarter of this year combined transport in Europe has decreased

Author: Łukasz Kuś 2023/08/08

In the second quarter of 2023, combined transport in Europe achieved transport results that were 14.41% lower compared to the same period last year. This is the largest quarterly decline in intermodal transport in Europe since the Covid pandemic, announced the International Union of Combined Transport by Road and Rail (UIRR).

The period April - June 2023 was the third quarter in a row when combined transport in Europe recorded a decline in transport results. This is due to the effects of the war in Ukraine, reduced transport on the New Silk Road, lower consumer spending in Europe, higher electricity prices and rising infrastructure access fees, which have reduced the competitiveness of rail transport compared to road transport. All these factors mean that the sentiment in the industry as measured by the UIRR Sentiment Index for the next 12 months is negative. In the coming years, the actions of the European Union and Member States, which announce the promotion of sustainable rail transport and the inclusion of road transport in emissions charges, may contribute to improving the results of combined transport.

Economic transformation

— The economic transformation is expected to last until at least the end of 2024, so action will be needed to support the high-fixed-cost combined transport sector during this period. Member State governments already have access to a wide range of options to support electric rail freight transport through measures such as reduced track access charges or electricity price caps for traction. The timely implementation of European law adopted in recent years, such as the Mobility Package or the amendment to the Eurovignette Directive, may also be helpful, commented Ralf-Charley Schultze, President of UIRR.

Some countries have already announced an increase in highway fees borne by road carriers in order to implement the new European law covering road transport with a CO2 emission charging system. In Germany from December 1 this year. highway tolls for 40-ton trucks will increase by 86%. This may prompt some shippers to shift loads from road to rail.