Entrepreneurs in the transport sector look back on their company's performance in 2018 with reasonable satisfaction. The number of orders increased and financial performance scored a more than satisfactory. For 2019, entrepreneurs expect a lot from digital data sharing and electric driving.
Beurtvaartadres, founded by industry organisations evofenedex and TLN, asked customers in an end-of-year survey about the past year and their expectations for 2019. With a 7.3, companies give their own performance in 2018 a generous enough rating. They give similar marks to their financial performance and competitive position.
For the vast majority of entrepreneurs, the number of orders remained the same or even increased last year. They are less pleased with government policy, giving it less than a six. Over 60 percent consider the increased regulatory burden in particular a bad development.
Read also:Growth in transport and logistics levelling off in 2019
Digital data sharing and electric driving
For 2019, digital data sharing and electric driving are highly expected. The latter is notable because half of the respondents do not plan to invest in sustainability. If they do, it is mainly a side effect of digitalisation.
Both digitisation and data sharing lead to greater efficiency and safety, respondents expect.
Congestion issues most persistent challenge
Entrepreneurs see congestion problem as biggest challenge for 2019. This is seen as a 'fait accompli' with very little that can be done about it. A quarter of entrepreneurs think this problem will cost extra money in 2019.
Also about replacing staff, in case of illness, for example, and new laws and regulations pose constraints in 2019, survey shows More than half of companies do not have a shortage of skilled workers. If companies do need new people, they mainly deploy digital solutions, active staff recruitment and extra pay.
No headaches over Brexit
The Brexit seems to be a lot less of an issue in the sector than in the media. Only a third expect to be really bothered by the Brexit, with the vast majority saying they are quietly waiting to see what will happen for the time being. But one in 10 companies says they are already well prepared for the Brexit.
New laws and regulations, customs formalities and longer waiting times at the border are cited as the biggest potential risks. Anyway, these three points are identified as the greatest possible obstacles when doing international business.
