On Thursday, Aug. 15, a number of European countries will celebrate Assumption Day. This is an official holiday in these countries with a driving ban for truck traffic. The maximum authorized mass of vehicles covered by this driving ban varies from country to country.
In France, trucks are not allowed on the roads throughout the country on that day. From 10 p.m. the previous day until 10 p.m., there is a general driving ban on all roads for vehicles or vehicle combinations with a maximum authorized mass exceeding 7.5 tons. The driving ban also applies to individual tractors without a semi-trailer. The same applies to Italy and Luxembourg.
For Croatia, there is also a driving ban, but only for a few hours. Between 2 p.m. and 11 p.m., no driving is allowed. In Austria, driving is not allowed all day.
With summer 2024 approaching, the logistics and transport sector faces multiple challenges across Europe. From the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris to work on the Italian rail network and summer driving bans in several countries. This overview will help you navigate these changes and ensure continuity in your operations.
Impact of the Paris Olympics 2024
The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, scheduled from 26 July to 11 August and from 28 August to 8 September, will impose significant traffic restrictions in Paris and the Île-de-France region.
From mid-April to October, infrastructure assembly, sporting events and dismantling activities will affect traffic routes, with around 200 kilometres of lanes reserved exclusively for staff, public transport, taxis and emergency services.
For detailed information on traffic restrictions and safety perimeters, please visit the Ministry of Transport’s website: www.anticiperlesjeux.gouv.fr
We hope the Olympic period will have minimal impact and invite you to contact us with any further queries.
Infrastructure construction works Italian rail network
Several works will be carried out on the Italian rail network in August 2024, impacting routes between Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Italy.
Gotthard Base Tunnel, Switzerland:
Following a derailment in August 2023, the replacement of 7km of track has been delayed until September 2024. Until then, only one track will be open for rail freight.
Works Stresa – Verbania, Switzerland:
Track will be closed from 6 June to 9 September, affecting trains to/from Brescia/Verona and diverting them via the Gotthard Base Tunnel, which already has reduced capacity.
Work Rheintalbahn (Rastatt), Germany:
Started in April 2024 and expected to be completed in September 2024. Phase 4 (9-30 August) will see track closures, and phase 5 (30 August-6 September) will see single track closures.
Chiasso railway station, Switzerland:
Closed from 14 to 20 August
Iselle de Trasquera, Domodossola, Switzerland:
Closed from 9 to 30 August
Driving bans in Europe:
Download the overview of all driving bans and public holidays within Europe for July and August here.
Capacity Index in Transportation Sector drops drastically: Impact and solutions
The capacity index in the transport sector is under pressure, a worrying development indicating increasing tension in the European road transport market. Recent data from Transporeon reveals a drastic drop of 14.85% in just three months, with February’s index, which was at its highest at 109.52%, now significantly lower. This trend is an alarming indication of an increasingly tight market with a rising Tender Rejection Rate.
Several factors contribute to this downward spiral, with economic uncertainty and a chronic driver shortage playing a major role. It is becoming increasingly difficult for companies to find reliable and cost-effective transport solutions, resulting in increased challenges for the entire supply chain.
Economic uncertainty and labour shortages
The weak forecast for the European economy has a direct impact on the transport sector. Companies face fluctuating demand patterns and unpredictable market conditions, making transport planning and capacity management a complex task.
The persistent shortage of drivers worsens this situation. Demand for qualified personnel far exceeds supply, forcing companies to compete for limited resources. Moreover, there are also shortages of warehouse staff and planners, leading to operational inefficiencies and delays.
Impact
The decreasing capacity index has a direct impact on companies that depend on efficient transport. Delays, higher costs and uncertainty about deliveries can lead to customer dissatisfaction and damage your company’s reputation. Furthermore, you may face loss of sales and market share if you are unable to ensure timely and reliable deliveries.
Solutions for these challenges
The decreasing capacity index in the transport sector is an alarming indication of the growing tension in the European road transport market. Economic uncertainty and labour shortages have further exacerbated the challenges, forcing companies to look for innovative solutions to remain resilient.
Contact us today to find out how we can support your business in these challenging times.
In the world of transport, the traceability of loads is extremely valuable. When a load can be properly tracked, it leads to more transparency as well as efficiency in the logistics chain. For example, the consignee can ensure that his people are available at the right time to unload the cargo. However, the application of Real Time Visibility (RTV) can still be challenging. Nevertheless, at GEBA Trans we are making positive progress in this field.
What is Real Time Visibility?
Real Time Visibility means that shipments and transports can be tracked at any time and any location. This traceability is made possible by technologies such as GPS, telematics in trucks and trailers, and advanced track-and-trace systems. Algorithms are used to calculate the expected time of arrival, taking into account roadworks and current traffic jams, among other factors.
Benefits of Real Time Visibility
RTV significantly reduces operational costs and increases efficiency. In fact, studies by Transporeon, one of the RTV providers, show that using RTV leads to:
30% fewer control calls
10% shorter truck transit times
10% less waiting time
5% cost savings
Increased customer satisfaction and service
Through RTV, we know when your shipment will arrive, leading to better planning and higher customer satisfaction. The shipper/receiver can ensure that staff are available at the right time to load/unload the cargo.
Competitive advantage
When using RTV, we can react faster and more accurately to changes and disruptions while transporting your goods. By ensuring continuous monitoring and accurate data, we proactively manage disruptions.
RTV implementation
Implementing RTV requires modern technologies such as GPS and telematics, as well as a robust IT infrastructure to process and analyse the collected data.
Challenges:
Many independent carriers do not always have the technological know-how to enable RTV.
Many trucks and trailers are not yet equipped with telematics, and purchasing them can be costly.
Some carriers are hesitant to share real-time data because of privacy and security concerns.
There are many different RTV apps, which can be confusing for drivers.
Data protection
We take the privacy of our partners seriously. We make sure all data is well protected and comply with privacy laws to ensure the security of customer information.
Why GEBA Trans is the right partner
We have years of experience and knowledge of the transport sector, enabling us to tackle complex issues effectively. Our solutions are tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients. We offer a high degree of flexibility and adaptability which makes us a reliable partner for all your transport needs.
Would you like to know more about how we can furthermore help you get a better grip on your transport challenges? Then feel free to contact us.
Control your Total Cost of Transport (TCT) with GEBA Trans
Have you ever thought that moving goods often costs more than just the basic transportation costs? We can give you a good idea of all the additional costs involved in transporting your goods from A to B. We will take you through the different stages of the transport process and show you how we can help you keep these costs manageable.
Preparation: The first step towards manageable costs
Before you book a transport, you may already have spent time and money preparing the transport and your internal logistics. Your logistics officer has to look for a reliable partner, negotiate rates, determine transport methods and loading and unloading dates. Every time you get a new route or have to deliver in a region unknown to you, the whole process starts all over again. This costs you time, energy and you may lack the expertise and market knowledge needed to make the best decisions.
In times of market tightness, your procurement costs can increase from 15% to 30% when you have to deviate to another carrier. In 2021, this was even the case for 1 out of 4 transport orders.
Implementation: The transport process
You would like the process from loading to unloading your goods to run smoothly. Unfortunately, this process can come with several challenges that cost your business time and money. Think of coordinating time slots for loading and unloading, delays during loading and/or unloading, unforeseen delays en route such as traffic jams or driving bans, damage to goods, unplanned diversions and extra administrative operations.
These problems can lead to additional costs, operational inefficiencies and a negative impact on your customer satisfaction. Delays and damage to your goods can result in missed deadlines and dissatisfied customers, while inefficient processes and extra administrative tasks burden your staff with additional ‘unnecessary’ workload.
Aftercare: Handling your transport
After the execution of your transport, you may face unforeseen costs and administrative tasks that need to be handled. Obtaining all the necessary freight documents and correct invoices from your carriers can be a time-consuming process. This can lead to additional administration costs or surcharges, especially if you ask for original documents, for example, which in turn increases your Total Cost of Transport.
Conclusion
The Total Cost of Transport includes much more than just basic transport costs. From preparation and execution to aftercare, each stage brings its own challenges and additional costs. At GEBA Trans, we offer a complete solution that covers all these aspects. With our extensive network, own fleet and nearly 30 years of experience, we guarantee that your transportation needs are handled efficiently and cost-effectively.
Let GEBA Trans be your partner in transport and find out how we can help you control your Total Cost of Transport. Contact us today and experience the benefits of a reliable and experienced transport partner.
