Rail cutbacks concern European shippers

Rail cutbacks concern European shippers

van der Jagt

   The European Shippers Council said Monday more cargo might shift from rail to road if single-wagon rail service is cut further.
   “A large number of industry sectors and other regular rail freight users rely on the provision of single-wagon services as they are often unable to provide sufficient volume for a block train,” said the council, reporting on the results of a meeting held last week in Brussels by its newly established Rail Freight Council.
   Georges Di Lallow of steel producer ArcelorMittals said provision of single wagon service by railway operators is under increasing threat, and their elimination “would inevitably lead to an exodus of freight away from rail services and onto road.'
   'We understand why rail freight operators would prefer to provide block-train services rather than single-wagon load: it is easier and more profitable,' said Nicolette van der Jagt, ESC's secretary general. 'But we think it is important for politicians, civil servants and the public to understand that the economics can be stacked against the use of rail freight and that together, rail freight customers and railway undertakings must look urgently for solutions to this problem. That does not mean turning to your customers and demanding more money from them; but trying to find real, practical solutions. Competition in the rail freight sector would encourage that customer-focused approach, but competition is sadly still lacking in many European countries.
   'If we cannot find solutions then we must accept that shippers will have no choice but to move their freight to other modes that can deliver the services they need, with the desired service quality, and at the prices which are affordable and competitive,' she added.