rail

CLECAT, the European Freight Forwarders’ Association, has outlined its priorities for the next five years (2024-2029) for all transport modes. Despite the European Union’s efforts to encourage a modal shift, the development of cross-border rail freight transport remains weak. While some Member States experience growth in rail freight volumes, others face declines and even a reverse modal shift.

The success of attracting new customers to rail freight is often hindered by the poor performance of rail freight services. For freight forwarders, service quality is as important as price competitiveness when choosing a transport mode. International rail freight is still hampered by infrastructure and operational bottlenecks, particularly at border crossings between Member States. CLECAT recognises that while these delays are often unavoidable, their impact on the supply chain should be minimised. Response times should match those of road transport for rail to be considered an attractive option.

Please find below freight forwarders' messages to decision makers on rail freight.