The total transport sector recorded a 2.5 per cent rise in turnover in the third quarter of 2014. So reports CBS. This marks the fifth consecutive quarter of turnover increase. This upward trend is mainly due to the recovering economy.
Courier firms thrive thanks to e-commerce
Courier companies saw their turnover rise the fastest. Thanks to the large number of online shoppers, their turnover grew by no less than 9 per cent.
Logistics service providers
Logistics service providers generated a two per cent increase in turnover. Companies in road freight transport recorded a six per cent rise in turnover. This is a significant increase compared with last year, when turnover was still falling. Freight rates remain under pressure at present. The 6 per cent growth is therefore entirely attributable to the volumes transported.
A ray of hope for freight forwarders
After a year and a half of falling turnover, the past
quarter, freight forwarders saw a silver lining. Turnover grew by over 1.5 per cent compared with the same period last year. For the first time in six quarters, freight forwarders saw their turnover rise.
Maritime and inland waterway transport
Shipping companies saw their turnover rise last year, but are now facing a decline once again. Turnover fell by 1 per cent in both maritime and inland waterway transport. Both sectors are facing overcapacity, making it difficult to negotiate higher prices for the transport of goods. In the case of inland waterway transport, this is compounded by the fact that they operate in a sector where they also face competition from other modes of transport, such as rail and road.
Read the full CBS report here.
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