The Dutch transport sector has been hit hard by the economic crisis, with bankruptcies up 30% last year and only 50% of firms making a profit, according to new figures from sector association TLN.

Only one in four transport firms described 2012 as a ‘good year’ as low consumer spending led to orders dropping back to 2009 levels. In general, the transport sector is one of the hardest hit because of the economic crisis, TLN director Peter Sierat said.

‘Because they are afraid of losing orders, a number of transport firms are not increasing their prices even though costs have risen,’ the statement said. ‘This is putting the financial position of many firms under pressure.

Building sector

In particular building sector transport firms have suffered, due to the continuing malaise in the construction sector. By contrast, two-thirds of logistics companies ended the year in profit.

TLN says it is especially concerned about the 30% rise in bankruptcies, which is double the national average. ‘Many companies are having to wait a long time for their bills to be paid, which is pushing some of them into financial difficulty,’ the organisation said.

Despite forecasts of slight economic growth in 2013, 36% of transport firm bosses expect another bad year. Only 11% are positive about the prospects.

According to TLN one in 12 people in the Netherlands works in the transport and logistics sector.