2016 was not a good year for Dutch logistics: turnover of companies in the transport sector fell by almost 0.5 per cent compared to a year earlier. A lower turnover did not occur since 2009.
This is according to figures from the Central Bureau of Statistics' Transport Quarterly Monitor. The third quarter of 2016 is particularly striking, when turnover fell 1.4 per cent compared to the same period in 2015. Logistics transports by water and air turned over less in 2016, while rail and road transporters actually recorded more turnover.
Moving companies were the biggest winners of 2016 in this regard. Due to the booming housing market, a turnover increase of almost 11 per cent was recorded. Couriers followed closely behind, with the parcel market bursting at the seams. Partly due to a strong last quarter, sales rose 6.5 per cent in 2016.
Sea and air transport
In maritime and inland shipping, losses were recorded in all quarters compared to 2015. Overcapacity in the market put pressure on rates. The last quarter was saved by a period of low water, which reduced overcapacity. Overall, inland shipping recorded a 6 per cent lower turnover, while seagoing shipping earned 7 per cent less. Loading, unloading and transhipment companies also experienced a nearly 6 per cent drop in turnover.
Things did not go smoothly in aviation either: aircraft transport experienced a drop in turnover in three of the four quarters of 2016. This resulted in a decline of over 2.5 per cent for all of 2016.
For the first quarter of 2017, an increase in rates is expected, but transport entrepreneurs see another drop in turnover coming. Also, entrepreneurs expect to run operations with fewer staff.
