Shifting gears in Dutch transport: Navigating slower growth and rising demand for used trucks

In the latest quarter, the growth of the Netherlands' transport sector has not kept pace with its performance earlier in the year, reports Statistics Netherlands (CBS). This slowdown in revenue growth does not stem from a single cause, but rather reflects a less robust increase across various transportation markets. While the final three months of 2022 saw an 11.4% year-on-year rise in turnover, previous quarters had experienced a more robust surge, hovering around 30%.

This trend of decelerating growth in the Dutch transport sector contrasts with an interesting development in the market for second-hand trucks, which has witnessed a notable increase in sales. The article delves into the complexities and nuances of these contrasting trends, shedding light on the evolving dynamics of the transportation industry in the Netherlands.

Notable decrease aviation sector

In the aviation sector, a notable revenue increase was observed, surging by over 34% compared to the same period in the previous year. The CBS attributes this rise partly to the easing of COVID-19 measures that had been in effect during the fourth quarter of 2021. These measures had previously limited the sector's capacity to transport passengers. However, the growth in the second and third quarters was even more significant, with revenue jumps of over 123% and nearly 70%, respectively.

This upward trend in aviation contrasts with the overall pattern of deceleration in other transport sectors, including maritime and coastal shipping. According to CBS, one reason for the slowdown in these areas is the less rapid increase in prices within the maritime industry compared to previous months. This highlights a complex landscape in the Dutch transport sector, where different modes of transportation are experiencing varied economic dynamics.

More used trucks sold

Despite the observed deceleration in road transport's revenue growth, there's an intriguing trend emerging in the market for second-hand trucks. This trend reveals a growing demand for used trucks for sale, indicating that the need for road transport capacity remains high. This increase in sales of pre-owned trucks suggests that businesses and operators in the sector are becoming more cost-conscious, possibly in response to the economic uncertainties and tighter margins in the transport industry.

The preference for used trucks over new models can be seen as a strategic move to manage expenses effectively. It reflects a shift in purchasing behavior, where operators prioritize value and cost-efficiency. By opting for second-hand trucks and used tractor units, businesses can expand or maintain their fleet without the substantial financial outlay required for new vehicles.

This approach not only helps manage immediate costs but also offers flexibility in adapting to fluctuating demands in the transport sector.