Belgian road transport companies are struggling to maintain their competitive edge in the international market, according to Eurostat figures released on Wednesday by transport federation Febetra.
Febetra believes it has been apparent for a while that Belgian transporters are losing ground in European long-distance transport, but the current situation is worse than previously thought. “Belgium appears in the top twenty road freight flows within the European Union three times,” said Philippe Degraef, director of Febetra. “Despite their ideal location at the heart of the European logistics hotspot, Belgian road transporters do not stand out in any bilateral market.”
Belgian companies handle 13% of transport operations between Germany and Belgium—half as much as German companies, which account for 26%. In transport with the Netherlands, Belgian companies have a market share of 16%, “completely outclassed by our northern neighbours,” Degraef noted. “They score a staggering 65%.” Only in bilateral transport with France do Belgian transporters manage reasonably well, with a 37% market share.
Febetra identifies cost as a clear cause of the problem. Belgian transporters are too expensive compared to foreign competition. “To better equip our transport companies, which must operate internationally, lowering labour costs is an absolute necessity,” concluded Degraef. “Despite our country’s challenging budgetary situation, the federal government must focus on restoring competitiveness and purchasing power.”
