Logistic Industry

Market Potential

Germany's central position in the EU makes it an ideal location for logistics hubs and distribution centers in Europe. Serving over 82 million Germans, 150 million consumers in its 9 neighbouring countries, and nearly 500 million EU residents, Germany is your direct link to western and eastern European markets.

After a relatively negative start in 2009, the German logistics industry began to recover from the effects of the world financial crisis in the last two quarters of the year. Today, enterprises are more optimistic about the further economic development in the different branches of the sector.

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES - Many mid-sized transportation companies have recently complained about being put under pressure by large shipping and logistics companies, due to the fact that large clients tend to prefer one stop transportation services with large capacities and facilities. As a result, many mid-sized shipping companies have started to form joint ventures with similar enterprises. Nowadays, new mergers and acquisitions account for much of the concentration in logistics, consistent with a similar Europe-wide development.

ROAD & RAIL - German roads form the backbone of an efficient transportation infrastructure. In 2008, 77 percent of all goods or 474.1 billion tons per kilometer were transported on highways, registering growth of 1.6 percent compared to 2007. The German Rail transport has experienced a positive development for several years now. Both state and privately owned rail transport companies have been able to cover the increasing demand for rail transportation services. Private rail companies were also able to claim a market share of approximately 20 percent, according to an estimate by the market leader Deutsche Bahn AG in 2007. A total of 116.8 ton kilometers were transported on German railtracks in 2008 (1.9 percent more than 2007). Especially combined traffic contributed to this development, as container transports grew by 11 percent.

NAVIGATION - In 2008, about 319.1 million tons passed through German seaports registering a 2.6 percent growth compared to 2007. After achieving its best result since the reunification in 2007, the German domestic navigation suffered market share losses in comparison to trucks and railways. In 2008, 64 billion ton kilometers, 1.1 percent less than in 2007, were shipped through German waterways.

AVIATION - Germany has 60 airports, 17 of which are international. Cargo airports in Germany are among Europe's busiest. In 2008, 3.5 million tons were transported via air freight, which is 5.7 percent more than in 2007.

Market Access