The growth of traffic and congestion in the Rotterdam region is placing increasing pressure on container road transport. According to a recent study, if no action is taken, delays could increase by up to an additional hour per trip by 2035, severely impacting the punctuality and efficiency of the logistics chain. This situation threatens the port’s reliability as a strategic hub for Europe and puts the profitability of carriers at risk.
In response to this scenario, the article argues that the only path toward a resilient and future-ready supply chain is collaboration among all stakeholders in the sector. To address this challenge, it is essential to implement measures that alleviate peak-hour congestion, optimize resources by reducing empty trips, and enable more agile and accurate management through the use of real-time data in operational planning. These measures aim to improve operational performance, reduce pressure on infrastructure, and increase delivery predictability.
In addition, the article highlights the fundamental role of digitalization and data sharing as indicators of efficiency. Tools like Port Alert, an application that provides real-time information on transport status, delays, and incidents, enable logistics actors to respond quickly to disruptions, improving coordination and decision-making. Technological integration, along with a shared vision of the challenges, is essential for advancing toward a more sustainable and robust logistics system.
The document concludes that while infrastructure investments are necessary, they will not be sufficient on their own. Only through a joint strategy based on innovation, collaboration, and the intelligent use of resources will it be possible to maintain the port’s competitiveness and ensure the continuity of land-based container transport.
“With the right tools, all parties gain real-time insight into transport status, delays and incidents, enabling them to respond swiftly.’’
The main inputs and contributions are:
- The expected increase in traffic, along with the growth in container volume, will lead to greater delays and a significant drop in the punctuality of road transport if timely action is not taken.
- Congestion not only affects operational efficiency but also the profitability of carriers, who may be limited to making only one trip per day during peak hours if solutions are not implemented.
- The study identifies three strategic pillars to address these challenges: (1) redistributing transport outside peak hours; (2) reducing empty and container-less trips; and (3) implementing dynamic port planning based on real-time data.
- Redistributing transport to less congested time slots can improve daily truck performance by up to 10% by 2035, by increasing average speed and reducing waiting times at terminals.
- Reducing empty trips through digital platforms and agreements among logistics stakeholders can generate operational improvements of 10% and optimize the use of resources such as vehicles and drivers.
- Dynamic port planning enables schedule adjustments in response to unforeseen events, improving coordination between transport demand and terminal capacity, and increasing the reliability of the logistics chain.
- Digitalization and real-time data sharing are essential to enhance visibility, decision-making, and responsiveness to disruptions, strengthening the resilience of the logistics system.
- The article emphasizes that collaboration among all actors in the supply chain is essential to face future challenges. Isolated solutions are not enough: a shared and coordinated strategy is required.
- It identifies multiple benefits from more efficient collaboration in container transport, including cost and mileage reduction, better utilization of vehicles and infrastructure, and improved predictability and customer satisfaction. It also highlights how dynamic planning and the use of real-time data strengthen the resilience of the logistics chain and contribute to more sustainable logistics with lower CO₂ emissions.
“It’s all about sharing the right data. We must understand what information is required in order to share it effectively.’’
Leave a Reply