Freight transport logistics action plan

Freight transport logistics is a driver of European Union (EU) competitiveness. It covers the planning, organisation, management, control and execution of goods transport operations.

ACT

Communication from the Commission - Freight transport logistics action plan (COM(2007) 607 final of 18 October 2007)

SUMMARY

WHAT DOES THE ACTION PLAN DO?

It contains short- to medium-term measures. It is one of a series of policy initiatives that the European Commission has launched to improve the efficiency and sustainability of freight transport in the EU.

KEY POINTS

• e-Freight: the use of information and communications technology (ICT) could enable the physical flow of goods to be accompanied by a paper-free, electronic flow of information.
• Bottlenecks: almost 500 have been identified ranging from insufficient infrastructure to administrative hurdles. These can be tackled by training for skilled staff, use of performance indicators and better statistical data.
• Transport chains: simplifying administrative requirements through the use of a single document for all forms of transport and clear liability rules could reduce costs and red tape.
• Weights and dimensions: EU legislation sets limits on vehicle weights and dimensions. However, some discretion is still left to national authorities as regards weight aspects. A review of the legislation in 2012 resulted in the adoption of revised EU rules in 2015. These aim to improve the aerodynamics of vehicles and their energy efficiency.
• Green transport corridors: these integrated routes would enable freight to be transported with a reduced environmental impact via a combination of short sea journeys, rail, road and inland waterways, and of relevant technologies (such as ICT used in intelligent transport systems).
• Urban freight: Europe’s towns and cities are often the destination for freight that has travelled long distances. Town planning should take this into account.

Other related EU initiatives include:

• the Connecting Europe Facility, which makes finance available for cross-border and other core transport network projects;
• Blue Growth, which highlights how transport by sea, which is less polluting than land transport, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions;
• the maritime spatial planning directive, which increases cooperation between EU countries in areas such as shipping lanes;
• the European Commission’s ‘ Roadmap to a single European transport area ’, which identifies ways to remove major bottlenecks for the transport of goods and people.

BACKGROUND

The logistics industry is estimated to contribute almost 14 % to EU GDP. It has enjoyed major growth in recent years, particularly in container trade. This has led to congestion in some ports and surrounding areas.

RELATED ACTS

White Paper: Roadmap to a single European transport area - Towards a competitive and resource-efficient transport system (COM(2011) 144 final of 28 March 2011).

last update 26.06.2015