The turnover of the transport sector increased by 5 per cent in 2018. Especially companies in inland shipping, warehousing and courier services contributed to that growth. Only in maritime shipping did turnover fall.
This is according to figures from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). In the last quarter of 2018, turnover in the transport sector grew by 5.9 per cent compared to the same period last year. This means the sector ends the year in the plus. Turnover grew in all industries in 2018, except for shipping.
Extreme rise in inland shipping turnover
Inland shipping showed a turnover growth of no less than 30 per cent. This is the strongest increase in this century. Water levels in the rivers were extremely low in October and November. Inland shippers benefited from this through higher freight rates. They also received a low-water surcharge.
Positive trend in freight road transport
In road transport, the largest industry in the transport sector, turnover increased by almost 6 per cent compared to the same period last year. The industry thus continues the positive trend that started in the fourth quarter of 2013. Only courier services showed a longer period of sales growth. Turnover has been increasing since the last quarter of 2010.
Staff shortage
The transport sector is struggling to get staff. More than 13 thousand vacancies were open in the fourth quarter. That is over 4.5 thousand more than a year earlier. For the coming quarter, a third of companies see staffing problems as the biggest obstacle.
Expectations 2019
Despite the tightness in the labour market, just under 15 per cent of companies think turnover will increase. Just over half of companies expect turnover to remain the same. Over a third of companies anticipate that prices for the services offered will rise.
