Companies prefer truck transport, rail transport is no longer cost-effective for them

In September, 330,000 trucks passed through toll gates in the Czech Republic, with an increasing share of transported goods being wood and coal. Smaller companies find truck transport cheaper and more efficient than rail, leading to a decline in rail freight usage. Companies like ČD Cargo are attempting to offer more efficient models, but these are often not viable for smaller clients. The cost of rail transport is significantly higher, prompting many businesses to switch to trucks for quicker and more reliable delivery. The share of trucks in domestic freight transport is rising, with truck performance increasing by about 15% since 2021, while rail freight has decreased. The Ministry of Transport is investing in rail infrastructure, but the cost of tolls for trucks has also risen significantly, although they remain cheaper than in neighboring countries.