Key Insights from CETM Multimodal Gathering on the Future of Freight Multimodality

A Gathering to Accelerate Multimodal Freight Transport

The recent Multimodal Eurosur event, hosted by CETM Multimodal, served as a vibrant hub for leading figures in the multimodal freight sector from across Spain and beyond. Bringing together a mix of debates, interviews, and networking opportunities, the assembly set out to tackle the challenges and opportunities in integrating various transport modes to improve efficiency and sustainability.

Setting the Stage: Strategic Importance of Multimodality

Ramón Vázquez, Vice President of CETM Multimodal, alongside Rocío Báguena, Secretary General of Land Transport from the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, opened the conference with a clear call to action. Báguena emphasized multimodality in Spain not just as an operational strategy but as a critical lever for competitiveness and sustainable progress. She pointed out that while railway freight’s share in Spain lingers at a modest 4%, national goals aim to raise it to 10% by 2030. The expansion of railway motorways is expected to boost this intermodal capability, with road transport remaining an indispensable partner in the chain.

Tangible Policy Developments Enhancing Frameworks

Significant progress in regulatory support was highlighted, acknowledging efforts such as new sanctions against late payments, the Transport Chain Law, and driver workload restrictions on loading and unloading activities. Investments are also being channeled into modernizing critical corridors, like the Mediterranean and Atlantic Routes, recognizing that connected and interoperable infrastructure forms the backbone of seamless multimodal transport.

Voices from the Field: Challenges and Innovations

Industry leaders voiced key points on operational and policy obstacles. Antonio Nabo Martins of APAT Portugal raised concerns about the inefficiency of stopping points every 50 kilometers for private operators while advocating for a streamlined principal network. Alberto Milotti from Europlatforms stressed the need for a unified methodology across countries to avoid imbalances and promote cohesive sustainable transportation.

From a regional logistics perspective, initiatives positioning Zaragoza as a major logistics node were applauded, with the importance of Teruel’s territory in improving goods flows underscored. ADIF’s commitment to upgrading infrastructure aimed at fulfilling 2030 targets was reaffirmed with announcements about new routes like Mérida–Badajoz launching soon.

Coordination and Market Dynamics

Coordination among modes remains a complex puzzle. Novatrans–Greenmodal’s Tristan Ziegler acknowledged the challenges but urged for a pragmatic review of each mode’s shortcomings to intelligently share transport space. Discussions around financial aid models centered on short-sea shipping require restructuring to ensure continuity and effectiveness. Stakeholders warned against the unintended consequences of poorly managed subsidies, emphasizing the necessity to attract markets and cement sustainable services.

Regulatory and Infrastructural Roadblocks

A key theme that resonated was the fragmentation in regulatory frameworks. European Parliament member Rosa Mª Serrano lamented discrepancies such as the uneven application of vehicle weight limits across countries, which impede combined transport expansion. Iván Santos from CNMC echoed calls for regulation that boosts competitiveness through market-friendly track slots, reduced waiting times, and fully realized infrastructure projects.

Renfe Mercancías’ leadership highlighted the pivotal role of reliability and timely deliveries in building market trust, while Italian experiences showed that consensus among major players can harmonize regulations effectively. The European Commission underscored collaboration as non-negotiable to meeting sustainability goals and enhancing multimodal integration despite legislative complexities.

Modernization and Future Outlook

EU-wide reforms have stalled for decades due to lack of consensus, but plans like France’s massive railway modernization project, backed by investments reaching 400 billion euros, mark a decisive step forward. The evolution from simple combined freight to synchromodal transport — where modes dynamically coordinate — points to the future direction. However, industry leaders cautioned against underwhelming prioritization of multimodality in political agendas despite broad agreement on its importance.

Summary of Takeaways and Industry Implications

The closing remarks from CETM Multimodal’s President and high-ranking transport officials reinforced a shared vision: public-private cooperation is essential to accelerate multimodal freight transport within Spain and beyond. Although reaching modest rail freight market shares by 2030 remains a challenge, ongoing infrastructure upgrades and policy adaptations are promising. A key takeaway was that avoiding politicization of passenger and freight transport decisions is critical for consistent progress.

Porque é que isto é importante para a logística

For logistics professionals and companies managing freight, these discussions are more than just policy chatter. They directly affect the efficiency, cost, reliability, and environmental impact of moving goods. As infrastructure improves and regulations evolve, the logistics sector must adapt to leverage multimodal solutions that combine road, rail, and maritime transport seamlessly.

• Improved infrastructure means faster, more reliable transit routes.
• Regulatory clarity enhances planning and operational certainty.
• Financial incentives and simplified subsidy processes help innovation thrive.
• Collaborative efforts reduce fragmentation and boost competitiveness across regions.

The Final Word: Navigating Multimodal Logistics with Confidence

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Offering clear, transparent pricing and a broad network of transport providers, GetTransport.com simplifies logistics complexity. It’s the perfect place for anyone looking to seize the advantages of multimodal freight movement without drowning in administrative red tape. Obter as melhores ofertas em GetTransport.com.

Looking Ahead: Multimodality’s Role in Future Logistics

While on a global scale this event may not herald sweeping logistics revolutions, it underscores vital regional and sectoral shifts that matter deeply to stakeholders. Staying in tune with such developments is crucial for any supply chain strategist. By embracing multimodality, the transport and forwarding sectors improve sustainability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness—core tenets for modern logistics.

GetTransport.com stays ahead of the curve by integrating these forward-looking trends into its platform, ensuring users have reliable, affordable, and innovative options for freight, shipment, and move management. Start planning your next delivery and secure your cargo with GetTransport.com.

Em conclusão

The recent CETM Multimodal gathering brought to light the critical importance of coordinated, sustainable freight transport solutions. With infrastructure modernization, regulatory reforms, and enhanced cooperation driving progress, multimodality is positioned as a key strategy for efficient logistics moving forward. Services like GetTransport.com fit naturally into this landscape by offering worldwide freight, cargo, and bulky goods transport that meets these evolving demands—streamlining shipment, distribution, and haulage with ease and affordability.