Rail freight transport: publication of results from the 2023 end-customer consultation
Year of issue 2024
Date of issue 2024.01.22
In 2023, the Bundesnetzagentur asked representatives of end-customers in rail freight transport for their views on current developments in the rail freight sector.
The consultation focused on issues regarding the image, availability and future of rail freight transport. The results are based on the responses of 283 participating companies and trade associations. The survey was addressed in particular to corporate units that organise and commission rail transport services.
Image
Almost two thirds of those questioned view the image of rail freight transport as positive in terms of sustainability and environmental protection. Just over 51% of the respondents consider the commitment to environmental and climate protection to be one of the main reasons for their preference of transporting freight by rail, not least due to their individual corporate culture. Nearly 67% associate rail freight transport with logistical advantages for their supply chains, while only 6% mention greater reliability as a reason for deciding in favour of freight transport by rail.
Availability
According to the respondents, greater capacity is needed both for the service facilities and in the railway network if more freight transport is to be moved from road to rail in the years to come. They said that in certain areas rail transport was not yet sufficiently cost-effective compared to road transport. In their view possible solutions for improving the modal split include greater incentives through funding programmes as well as fewer short-term disruptions and construction works. Lower costs for rail transport and an increase in the number of private siding tracks and storage sidings could also benefit further development.
At the same time, there seems to be a great deal of understanding for construction work and the resulting restrictions on the railway network. Overall, there has been a decline in satisfaction with rail freight transport since 2021. The survey has not yet shown a clear trend in favour of freight transport by rail.
Future
A total of 86% of the respondents consider the expansion of the railway network to be necessary to make rail freight transport more attractive in the coming years, with 59% also supporting the development of the service facilities infrastructure. In their view this is also crucial for moving even more transport from road to rail. A significant majority of 60% of all respondents believe the expansion of existing and the construction of new freight terminals to be essential.
Background
The Bundesnetzagentur is required by law to conduct a regular survey among the users of rail freight transport and rail passenger services on their level of satisfaction. This allows the Bundesnetzagentur to rely on direct feedback from practical experience when preparing analyses and decisions concerning aspects of the railway market within its remit. In this context, a particular focus is placed on consulting recognised consumer associations. In 2023, consumer representatives were surveyed about the use of rail freight services.
Detailed results are available in German at: www.bundesnetzagentur.de/endkundenbefragung