Impulses from Linz
Network growing; now it’s up to the politicians. At the Austrian Logistics Day in Linz, the Verein Netzwerk Logistik (logistics network association) presented 25% growth in its membership, and at the same time called for more political support for the sector.
During the Austrian Logistics Day in Linz, Austria’s Verein Netzwerk Logistik (logistics network association VNL) announced in a media conference that its network has grown by 25% since 2024. A total of around 560 companies are now members.
Talking about reliability
VNL’s central theme the at the event was reliability. The network has “responded to uncertainties and complexity” and submitted proposals for action for the new 2024-2029 government programme. According to its own statements VNL wants to make a contribution to “making Austria’s economy resilient, digital and sustainable.” The ball is thus now in politicians’ court for the next steps.
According to VNL chair Franz Staberhofer, there is a lack of measures that would make the transport and logistics sector exciting again. This is a “central lever” to avoid bottlenecks. In order to get more people interested in the sector, the VNL has created an offer at over 80 schools, which consists of learning materials, information events and taster places.
““Reliability begins with a clear political framework.”
Franz Staberhofer, chairman of the VNL
“People will remain at the very heart of the logistics industry in future too,” according to Peter Umundum, the deputy CEO at Österreichische Post and its board member for parcels and logistics. He called for an educational concept to be implemented at every school level.
Significance for a landlocked country
Hubert Zajicek, a member of the management Board at Voestalpine, pointed out the importance of the sector for Austria. “As a landlocked country we’re particularly dependent on functioning international logistics links.”
The difficult general situation of rail freight transport in the neighbouring countries shows the value of efficient infrastructure. “The overarching goal must be to anchor logistics as an integral part of economic resilience,” Zajicek closed.