European combined transport (CT) experienced a notable downturn in the first quarter of 2026, with consignments falling by 4.92% compared to the same period in the previous year. This reduction highlights a challenging beginning for the intermodal sector across Europe.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this decline in combined transport volumes suggests potential shifts in modal preferences or broader economic headwinds impacting cargo movement. It could lead to increased competition for available rail capacity on certain routes or, conversely, a softening of rates if demand continues to lag. Forwarders should monitor specific trade lanes and operator performance to identify areas of opportunity or concern, potentially adjusting their routing strategies to optimize costs and transit times.
Looking ahead, stakeholders in the European logistics sector will be closely watching subsequent quarterly reports to determine if this trend is a temporary fluctuation or indicative of a more sustained shift in combined transport demand.
