Euro road freight index post lowest rate in 2012 as demand slackens

A EUROPEAN road freight index has recorded a plunge in rates of seven per cent since its peak in May 2012 attributed to a collapse in prices following the market "bounce-back" from the 2009 financial crisis.

According to the international road index, provided jointly by European freight service provider Freightex and the UK's Transport Intelligence, prices have remained volatile in the past six months because of slowing demand and lack of a capacity adjustment.

The index, which is based on actual transactions settled in euros, is an important indicator of the market providing free quarterly analysis of European road freight rates, said Ti's CEO, John Manners-Bell.

"Visibility of international road freight rates in Europe has historically been very poor. At this time of economic volatility and uncertainty, we are delighted to be able to partner with Freightex to provide the industry with an increased level of insight into the market," he added.

Said Freightex CEO Tim Phillips: "Transparency of rates allows consignors to easily check if they are getting the appropriate price for the services they require, or to support and analyse the costs of entering new markets. Carriers can also use it to discuss increases in rates based on real market knowledge."

The index provides individual indices of international road freight rates by European country pair traffic lanes which can be accessed athttp:\\transportintelligence.com/graphs/