Turnover transport sector dramatically down in first quarter of 2009

Turnover of the transport sector declined by nearly 12 percent in the first quarter of 2009 relative to the same period in 2008. Last year, the transport sector realised a turnover growth of 3 percent. Due to the economic crunch, there is less demand for transport services.

Air freight transport suffers most

With a turnover reduction by 24 percent over the first quarter relative to the same period one year previously, air freight transport suffered most by the recession. The branch has suffered losses since the second quarter of 2008. Turnover loss over the entire year 2008 was 3 percent.

Turnover goods transport by road, sea, air and inland shipping

Turnover also substantially down in inland and sea shipping

In inland, coastal and sea shipping turnover also dropped dramatically in the first quarter of 2009. Turnover in inland shipping decreased by 17 percent relative to one year previously, in coastal and sea shipping by 15 percent, whereas both branches realised a significant turnover increase in 2008.

Turnover in road haulage dropped by nearly 12 percent in the first quarter. In 2008, a growth by 4 percent was realised.

Road haulage largest branch within the transport sector

Turnover of the transport sector totalled 67 billion euro in 2008. Road haulage, as the largest branch in the transport sector, contributed 29 percent. Transport of goods by air accounted for 15 percent, sea and inland shipping for 12 percent. The transport sector also includes storage and transport, railway and taxi services.

Distribution of turnover within the transport sector, 2008

Robbert de Ruijter and Marcel van der Geest