Marginal recovery transport sector in 2010

Turnover growth in the transport sector increased by nearly 3 percent in 2010 relative to the preceding year. As a result of the economic crisis, transport companies faced 12.5 percent loss of turnover in 2009. In the third and fourth quarter of 2010, total turnover was nearly 5 percent higher than in the same quarters in 2009, but the level of turnover prior to the economic crisis is as yet far beyond reach.

Turnover transport sector

Haulage companies and shipping agents contribute substantially to economic recovery

Haulage companies and shipping agents, together accounting for half of total turnover in the transport sector, benefited from the bustling international market and the growing activities in the sector manufacturing industry in 2010. Haulage companies initially faced a downturn in the first quarter of 2010, but in the fourth quarter turnover improved by more than 8 percent. Throughout 2010, the volume of freight increased and haulage companies realised a 3 percent higher turnover.

Turnover generated by shipping agents grew by nearly 10 percent in the fourth quarter of 2010. Turnover growth over the entire year 2010 was more than 7 percent.

Turnover in various branches in the transport sector

Turnover growth inland shipping and air transport slows down in fourth quarter

Turnover growth in air transport did not exceed 2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2010. The growth rate slowed down in comparison to the preceding quarters as a result of the cold weather during the winter period . Turnover in the sector inland shipping in the fourth quarter of 2010 was less than 1 percent up on one year previously, whereas in the third quarter turnover still grew by 6 percent. Here, too, the cold weather conditions in December had a negative impact on turnover growth. The last month of 2010 was the coldest December since 1969.

Robbert de Ruijter

Bron: StatLine, Transportbedrijven; Omzetontwikkeling, SBI 2008