Held up, delayed and diverted?

There will always be transport pitfalls in the port hinterland, regardless of the chosen transport mode. HGV transport is susceptible to traffic, bridges with weight restrictions and driver shortages, and rail to line closures, speed restrictions and the decommissioning of track and points. And with lock malfunctions and low water levels, not even inland waterway transport is safe from disruption. But one thing is clear: these modes of transport are the German economy’s lifelines – and they work, despite all the criticism. Road transport continues to play a dominant role in the first and last-mile flow of goods to and from the seaports and before and after rail and inland waterway transport. However, transport policy objectives aim to shift transport away from the road and towards eco-friendlier modes of transport. The data and facts listed here are sure to provide some helpful talking points for discussions on this issue.