Transport Market Monitor – edition 3

This latest edition of the TMM shows that:

• Compared to the last quarter of 2009 (94.8), the average price index in Q1 2010 dropped by 5.9 index points to 88.9.
• This price drop is remarkable, based on the upward trend seen in 2009 and given limited changes in available capacity.
• While available capacity is on the same level as during the pre-crisis period of Q1 2008, the Price index is 8.0 index points behind.
• The price drop in Q1 2010 was mainly caused by the lower prices experienced in January and February 2010, with March showing a more upward trend.
• Based on March’s up rise trend, it is expected that prices will increase in Q2 2010, as we have seen this pattern also in the pre-crisis period of H1 2008.
• Despite prices dropping, indices have now structurally passed the levels from last year: prices are higher and available capacity is less, compared with the same period last year.
• Price differences between the highest and the lowest offered price per transport, decreased in Q1 2010, but remained at a high level of 21.5%.
• Diesel prices and available capacity in the market are amongst other, significant drivers of transport prices.