Road freight transport outsourcing trend in Europe - What do we really know about it?

Abstract

Road freight transport outsourcing is a widespread trend, but it is usually estimated without adequate comparable research into the real role and significance of own-account transport. This paper aims to provide an insight into an objective and more balanced analysis that includes own-account transport. The data from the Eurostat database are analysed thoroughly to explore the trend of road transport outsourcing from the perspective of the importance of own-account transport in European countries. The results reveal that lack of data and some weaknesses in the methodology and definitions used contribute to a simplified approach to the matter.