Transport industry recovers further in third quarter of 2010

Turnover of companies in the transport sector was 5 percent higher in the third quarter of 2010 than in the same quarter last year. This is the second consecutive increase following 5 quarters of substantial decrease as a result of both lower prices and smaller volumes. The increase in growth in the third quarter is mainly the result of the rise in exports. In spite of this increase, however, turnover in this sector is still far below the level of before the crisis.

Turnover in the transport sector

Largest turnover increase for forwarding  agents

Freight forwarders realised the largest increase in turnover; their combined turnover was 11 percent higher in the third quarter of 2010 than twelve months previously. Loading, unloading and transhipment companies also increased their turnover by nearly 7 percent. These two branches had also realised a higher turnover in the second quarter.

Air transport benefits from increase in cargo and passengers

Air transport companies continued the upward development of the first two quarters. Turnover in the third quarter was 7 percent higher than in the same quarter last year as a result of an increase in both cargo and passenger transport.

Turnover of inland shipping companies also rose by 7 percent. Part of this rise was caused by the recovery in prices following the plunge in prices in 2009.

Road hauliers increased turnover by 5 percent

Turnover of road haulage companies, the largest branch in the Dutch transport industry, was 5 percent higher in the third quarter of 2010. Road transport companies were benefited from the increase in freight.

Turnover of some branches in the transport sector, 2010

André Weber