The growth of the logistics and transport sector exceeded all expectations in the third quarter. Activity reached its highest point in 11 years. On the downside, half of all companies are facing staff shortages.
This is according to TLN's third-quarter business survey. The upward trend of the second quarter continued on almost all fronts. Thus, turnover, profit and price levels rose in the third quarter, and business confidence reached its highest point since the turn of the century. Entrepreneurs are confident about the short-term and longer-term future.
Staff search
The vacancy rate is also rising along with it, reaching its highest point in a decade. As a result, three quarters of those surveyed are struggling to find suitable staff. Transport companies are itching for drivers. "We need to step up our efforts together with the government to find almost 2,500 drivers a year," said TLN president Arthur van Dijk. "To pay for this, 10 million a year is needed from the government, and then the sector itself puts in 10 million."
Dissatisfied with price level
Entrepreneurs show further dissatisfaction with current prices. Although the price level increased substantially in the third quarter, partly due to the passing on of wage costs according to the new collective agreement, margins are still very thin. In addition, the Brexit is said to be causing unrest among some entrepreneurs. They are uncertain about what awaits them in terms of customs and trade agreements.
