Efficient, reliable and well-networked transport infrastructures are the prerequisite for the mobility of economic goods and people. Transport and mobility are decisive factors for the development of economic locations. Logistics incorporates those areas that regulate and optimise flows of information, people and material. The industry holds a top position in the economy after the manufacturing industry and the tourism sector. 11,000 companies directly employ 160,000 people; the turnover is around EUR 34 billion.
The logistics industry primarily consists of forwarding agents, transport, handling, warehouse logistics providers, logistics technology providers and transport companies. The industry has nine areas: land transport Europe, air freight, sea freight, courier, express and parcel services, supply chain management, green logistics, customs, hazardous goods, law & insurance.
Changes in global trade, online shopping, traffic restrictions to protect the climate and environment, and digitalisation are setting new benchmarks. Globalisation means that the international importance of Austria in the industry has been constantly growing for years.
On the move internationally
The infrastructure on land, in the air and on water in Austria is very well developed and corresponds to high international standards. Austria's logisticians are setting standards in solutions, taking into account economic and ecological aspects. 30% of all goods in Austria are transported by rail. That is a share of the modal spit that is 13% higher in an EU comparison. Concepts for the usage of traffic telemetry data, optimisation of transport routes and mobile devices are also being intensively driven forward.
Due to their many years of experience and their high level of customer orientation, Austrian transport service providers are internationally respected. Austria's commitment to the planning and implementation of transport corridors, its efforts to achieve strong international partnerships with the goal of standardising technical and legal boundary conditions and the political security, plannability and reliability for users and foreign investors are contributing to the fine reputation of the Austrian logistics industry.
Paths to the future
The competition on international markets, cost pressure and growing requirements from customers with regard to price, quality, time and environmental friendliness are requiring new, innovative logistics concepts. The creation of end-to-end, adaptive value chains that are flexible to meet the product and time requirements, including upstream suppliers, downstream retailers and end customers are presenting the economy with major challenges. Austria's logisticians have to offer solutions for this.
- Modal split: Austria's industry is increasingly becoming a provider of multimodal, global and flexible logistics solutions.
- Austria is expanding its strategy for sustainable and environmentally friendly logistics solutions and modes of transport.
- Rail as a means of transport for multimodal logistics concepts is becoming ever more important.
- Ships as a means of transport particularly in the cargo sector: Austria is becoming a specialist for logistics solutions in the Danube region
- The expansion of logistics centres, cargo centres, hubs, logistics terminals for handling and to alleviate the burden on roads for shorter storage and transfer times is being pushed forward.
- Innovative solutions through the use of digitalisation and IT for process optimisation of transport flows and through the use of cloud technology.
- The Austrian logistics sector is devoted to end consumer logistics and takes into consideration the customer requirements with regard to costs and short delivery times, e.g. in e-commerce.
Further insights into the world of mobility and information about new and exciting developments from Austrian firms in the sector can be found in our industry magazine FRESH VIEW Mobility.