More Growth in Dutch International Haulage
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FROM A SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT NTERPRISING hauliers of the Netherlands continue to maintain their position as the most efficient international road transport operators in Europe. The increasing tonnage carried on their vehicles is revealed in the recently published annual report for 1963 of the Nederlandsche Internationale Wegvervoer Organisatie (N.I.W.0.), the Dutch International Road Transport Association. The Federal Republic of Germany is still the main consignee with a tonnage of 2,632,944.
An increase of 257 per cent was recorded for tonnage to Spain and it is clear that the Dutch are working hard to develop this market, despite the difficulty of obtaining transit permits from the French and the increasingly stringent policy adopted by the Spanish Transport Ministry in granting authorizations. A boost to international transport should be provided by the new four-lane motorway to be constructed by a German firm between the French frontier and La Junquera, near Barcelona.
The development of Dutch traffic to Italy continued throughout 1963 and totalled 104,185 tons. Criticism is levelled by N.I.W.O. at the failure of the Austrians to back the project for improving the Brenner Pass route. Although the opening of what is called the "Bridge of Europe ", near Innsbruck, constitutes a major road link between Austria and Italy, little advantage has accrued to international road haulage because this new route is not available to articulated units, which are still obliged to travel by the old winding stretch. As a result the route from Munich to Italy, via Kufstein, Innsbruck and the Brenner Pass, remains unchanged. Plans for a new clearway linking up with the "Bridge of Europe" have been delayed by Austria's refusal to provide the necessary funds. In the opinion of the Austrian Transport Minister the main benefit of such a project would accrue to Germany and Italy, and those countries should therefore bear the brunt of the financial commitment.
Referring to the United Kingdom, the report tactfully points out that the facility of a short-term licence is virtually useless
Gauntry Belgium .. ..
Denmark .. ..
West Germany .
France..
Great Britain..
Hungary ..
Italy .. ..
Jugoslavia ..
Netherlands .. ..
Norway ..
Austria, .
Poland..
Czechoslovakia ..
Sweden ..
Switzerland .. ..
Totals.. ..
to Dutch hauliers wishing to operate in this country unless complete exemption is granted from the Construction and Use Regulations. In practice the semi-trailer method of operation with British hauliers remains the most satisfactory form of transport.
The major part played by the Netherlands in international haulage is emphasized by the statistics for TIR carnets issued in 1963. Unfortunately, the statistical table also shows up the relative insignificance of British hauliers.