Alleviating pressure on heavy transport routes

Bridge restrictions, parking shortages and low water levels are complicating Europe’s heavy cargo movements, strengthening the case for combining transport modes and making greater use of inland hubs. Panellists at October’s Breakbulk Summit in Antwerp detailed the challenges facing those moving high and heavy cargoes on European roads, rails and inland waterways.

Road transport specialist Van der Vlist raised the problem of de-rated infrastructure across the continent, restricting the available routes for heavy and oversized cargo. “A lot of bridges are reduced to 45 tonnes, so we have to make huge detours,” said Bart Witzier, business development director. “The longer distance you drive with that high/heavy cargo, the more obstacles you find.” Citing Germany, where it is often more than four weeks to get a transport permit, “a 200 km route that you may take with your car may be in excess of 500 km [with heavy cargo].”

He also cited issues around driver rest hours and parking facilities. The volume of wind turbine components moving through German ports, for instance, is complicating transport planning, while a shortage of suitable parking is making it difficult for drivers to take mandatory rest breaks.

This story was originally published by Project Cargo Journal. Read the full story at Project Cargo Journal →