Transport sector concludes 2012 with positive result

Turnover generated by the transport sector improved by more than 2 percent in the last quarter of 2012 relative to the fourth quarter of 2011. Annual turnover over the entire year 2012 grew by 3 percent. Only a few transport branches reported a downturn. The number of bankruptcies pronounced by Dutch courts increased significantly.

Turnover transport sector

Logistic turnover comes to a standstill

Providers of logistic services, e.g. road haulage, shipping agents and storage companies, realised the same turnover results in the fourth quarter of 2012 as in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Turnover road haulage marginally up in 2012

Road transport of goods had to cope with a reduced supply of freight and a slowdown in international trade growth. Prices were marginally higher. Domestic road haulage operators felt the pressure of the sustained downturn in the construction sector and the cut in domestic spending. Turnover growth over the entire year 2012 was 1 percent.

Stagnating turnover shipping agents

Shipping agents, among whom many hauliers, realised the same turnover in the fourth quarter of 2012 as in the fourth quarter of 2011. Turnover improved by 3 percent last year. In the fourth quarter of 2012, activities were at a lower level due to reduced freight volumes. Storage companies reported the same turnover level in the fourth quarter as one year previously. Turnover showed a marginal negative growth over the entire year 2012.

Turnover inland shipping down

Inland shipping had to cope with the fact that transport rates were under serious pressure. The level of turnover dropped by nearly 7 percent last year. In 2011, inland shipping still achieved the best results in the transport sector.

Turnover various transport branches, fourth quarter 2012

Better results in shipping and aviation

Turnover in shipping improved 10 percent in 2012 relative to the previous year. Turnover grew in all quarters, partly due to higher transport rates. Turnover realised by air transport companies grew by more than 8 percent in the fourth quarter. If the entire year 2012 is taken into account, turnover rose by 8 percent as airlines carried more passengers. Transport of goods by air was marginally down. Providers of courier services benefitted from the growing amount of online sales. As a result, turnover achieved by courier service providers rose by more than 4 percent in 2012.

Growing number of bankruptcies

Last year, 509 bankruptcies were filed, 166 more than in 2011. Most bankruptcies were reported in road haulage, courier service providers, taxi firms and the inland shipping industry.

Robbert de Ruijter