Dutch logistics association concerned by “unbearable” intermodal transport costs

Dutch logistics association TLN (Transport & Logistics Netherlands) has expressed its concern about a recent decision of the Netherlands Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM), which it says provides rail infrastructure manager ProRail with the means to make rail freight transport more expensive.

According to TLN, the levy approved by ACM means ProRail now has the opportunity to ask transport companies for extra money due to the increased costs for personnel. This, it is said, has put a spanner in the works as far as the modal shift to intermodal transport is concerned.

TLN adds that the possibility of further increased prices would add to the “already sky-high costs” that were introduced earlier this year for the marshalling and shunting of trains. The organisation also described intermodal costs as “unbearable” on its website.

In its statement regarding the decision, TLN said:

“TLN fears that the possible additional levy will worsen the competitiveness of intermodal rail transport, because rail carriers will pass on the costs to their customers. These are often other transporters and logistics service providers. This makes the intermodal chain less attractive.”

TLN added:

“Under the current circumstances, it is difficult to convince companies to opt for a much more expensive transport option, especially now that everything is becoming more expensive. According to TLN, if the government wants to avoid a definitive ‘reverse modal shift’, another compensation for the rising costs will have to be provided by the infrastructure manager.”