In this context, DSV Road recorded up to a 10% increase in cargo volume and a 20% increase in turnover in January-March period compared to the same period of 2022.
According to DSV Road, there is a slowdown in the pace of industrial production affecting both the import and export of goods. Thus, among the goods categories that register decreases are household appliances, construction materials, fittings, and power tools, maintaining the demand for goods of basic needs, pharm, and automotive. The services sector increased in Europe in the first quarter, which offset the reverse effect in the industrial sector.
DSV Road representatives point out that the freight transport market in 2023 will have a slightly upward trend, with a marginal increase in transported volumes estimated this year, of 1% at the European level, according to Transport Intelligence.
“High inflation will affect consumer demand, which will lead to lower demand for transportation services. A reduction in production is also expected in Europe, which will also reduce demand for freight services. We believe that in Romania we will have an increase above the European average, due to investments in infrastructure, including the effect of investments from PNRR”, said Sergiu Iordache, Managing Director of DSV Road.
Despite this economic context, by developing the customer portfolio and optimizing routes and cargo loading, DSV Road estimates an increase in demand especially for groupage transport, but also for intermodal and domestic transport. Thus, the company estimates a 10% increase in business, after last year it recorded a turnover of EUR70 million, 40% higher than in 2021.