This is the first part of the economic exercise that the CNR now undertakes every autumn, at a time when transport operators are preparing their budgets, investments and fares for the coming year.

Slowdown in global growth. French GDP is expected to grow by +1.3% in 2019, following +1.7% in 2018. The slowdown has accelerated amid heightened tensions: the US-China trade dispute, the Brexit deadline, the decline in the automotive market, etc.

Operating costs for road freight transport (RFT) have risen by between +1.7% and +1.9% over the past year, excluding diesel (depending on the speciality). Companies in the sector are also preparing for a new round of tax increases, with various measures currently being considered by government ministries: DFS, GNR, partial TICPE reimbursement discount, short-term contracts, warehouse reclassification, etc.