CLECAT RAIL LOGISTICS INSTITUTE MEETS
On 3 April, CLECAT's Rail Logistics Institute met to discuss legislative and non-legislative developments related to rail freight.
Members discussed the results of a recent CLECAT survey on the quality of rail freight in Europe and freight forwarders' perceptions of rail freight performance. The survey highlighted the importance of reliability, as respondents indicated the need for significant improvements in ETA’s, as well as in reduction in train cancellations. The survey also showed a consensus on the importance to enhance rail competitiveness through digital solutions to improve communication among stakeholders, enhance transparency and shipments tracking.
Reviewing the Greening Freight Package, members welcomed the publication of the Working Document by Rapporteur MEP Massimiliano Salini on the Combined Transport (CT) Directive, which stressed similar concerns raised by CLECAT. Members also discussed possible alternative CT definitions, as they expressed concerns about the practicality of the definition proposed by the Commission. On the Rail Capacity Regulation, members welcomed the Parliament's position in Plenary, highlighting that it made significant improvements compared to the Commission proposal, particularly regarding user consultation and regulatory oversight.
The Secretariat provided a brief update on ICS2 Release 3, which is
set to impact rail economic operators.