Source: https://intermodalnews.pl/2025/11/19/slabsze-wyniki-transportu-kombinowanego-w-europie-w-iii-kw/
Weaker results for combined transport in Europe in Q3 2025
Author: Łukasz Kuś
19.11.2025 | The combined transport industry in Europe recorded results that were 1.35% weaker in the period from July to August this year than in the third quarter of 2024. The weaker economic situation was influenced by disruptions on the rail network and lower demand in the industrial sector and trade, the International Union of Combined Road-Rail Transport (UIRR) reported.
Demand for intermodal transport operators' services is currently supported by shippers' and freight forwarders' preparations for the entry into force of new EU regulations on carbon footprint reduction, as well as the persistent shortage of professional drivers. On the other hand, numerous rail traffic restrictions caused by renovation work are negatively impacting travel times and punctuality in combined transport, especially in international transport. For this reason, the UIRR industry sentiment indicator was neutral in the third quarter of this year.
"More wagon and locomotive capacity is needed to bypass the construction site, which means delays and additional operating costs. European combined transport operators are doing their best, but they will not succeed without the support of decision-makers and those responsible for rail infrastructure," comments Ralf-Charley Schultze, CEO of the UIRR.