ECG and PwC Release Vehicle Logistics Index 2023

The update of the FVL cost index for the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2023 has been released. ECG – the Association of European Vehicle Logistics – and PwC Austria continue their partnership to publish regular index updates.

(Brussels) The Finished Vehicle Logistics (FVL) cost index for the 4th quarter of 2023 stands at 161.7, representing a total cost increase of 61.7 percent from January 2019 to December 2023. For the 2nd quarter of 2023, the index was at 158.7, thus the index increased by 3.0 index points since the last index update.

The following results were determined for the four segments:

• Logistics Segment Road Transport: The FVL cost index for road transport is 126.7 in the 4th quarter of 2023, indicating a total cost increase of 26.7 percent between January 2019 and December 2023. For the 2nd quarter of 2023, the index was at 123.1, so the index rose by 3.6 index points since the last index update. The overall cost increase is mainly based on significant toll increases in various countries as well as further increases in labor costs.
• Logistics Segment Sea: The FVL cost index for sea transport is 249.1 in the 4th quarter of 2023, representing a total cost increase of 149.1 percent between January 2019 and December 2023. For the 2nd quarter of 2023, the index was at 245.9, thus the index increased by 3.2 index points since the last index update. Time charter rates continue to rise and were again at an all-time high in the 4th quarter of 2023, which mainly influences this index development.
• Logistics Segment Rail Transport: The FVL cost index for rail transport is 125.4 in the 4th quarter of 2023, indicating a total cost increase of 25.4 percent between January 2019 and December 2023. For the 2nd quarter of 2023, the index was at 122.1, so the index rose by 3.3 index points since the last index update. This cost increase is mainly caused by increased expenses for assets and higher track fees.
• Logistics Segment Terminal: The FVL cost index in the terminal segment is 117.8 in the 4th quarter of 2023, representing a total cost increase of 17.8 percent between January 2019 and December 2023. For the 2nd quarter of 2023, the index was at 116.2, thus the index increased by 1.6 index points since the last index update. This development is mainly caused by cost increases in the labor area, with a counteracting effect from decreased supply costs.

The complete version of the updated figures for the 3rd quarter of 2023 and the 4th quarter of 2023, differentiated by segments and countries, is available as an attachment to the study published in March 2023 here.

Graphic: © FVL