Belgian road transport loses ground to competition
Belgian road transport companies are struggling to maintain their competitive edge in the international market, according to figures released on Wednesday by the transport federation Febetra, based on Eurostat data.
Febetra has long believed that Belgian transporters were losing ground in European long-distance transport, but the current situation is worse than previously thought.
"Belgian road transporters do not stand out in any bilateral market"
"Despite their ideal location at the heart of the European logistics hub, Belgian road transporters do not stand out in any bilateral market," said said Philippe Degraef, Febetra's director.
Small market shares
Belgian companies handle just 13 per cent of transport operations between Germany and Belgium. This is half the amount handled by German companies, which account for 26 per cent.
In transport with the Netherlands, Belgian companies have a market share of just 16 per cent, compared to 65 per cent for the Netherlands. The only area in which Belgian transporters perform reasonably well is in bilateral transport with France, with a 37 per cent market share.
Labour costs
According to Febetra, cost is a clear cause of the problem. Belgian transporters are too expensive compared to foreign competitors. "To better equip our transport companies, which must operate internationally, lowering labour costs is an absolute necessity," said Degraef.
"The federal government must focus on restoring competitiveness and purchasing power"
"Despite our country’s challenging budgetary situation, the federal government must focus on restoring competitiveness and purchasing power," he said.
© BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND
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