Freight transport flows from Belgium. What types of transport are used to deliver goods to Belgium

Belgium is a relatively small but prosperous country in old Europe, with a developed industry and high agricultural intensity. Belgium exports about 40% of its industrial production and is a major importer of products from other countries. The intensity of freight transport flows to and from Belgium is very high. The country is attractive for carriers, both for delivering cargo to Belgium and for exporting goods from it.

Belgian transport system

The geographical location of Belgium makes it the "crossroads of Europe," allowing the country to control a significant portion of European transport flows. The main governing bodies of the EU and NATO are located in the capital of Belgium, Brussels. Belgium is a highly developed country, and all types of modern transport are represented there. Delivery of cargo to Belgium and export from it is possible by air, road, water, and rail transport. The multimodality of ISO containers allows for the delivery of goods to and from Belgium worldwide without unloading them from the containers. However, sea transport of goods to all continents is also possible in specialized vessels such as tankers, bulk carriers, and others.

Road infrastructure in Belgium

The condition of the road surface in Belgium is excellent. Travel on the roads is free, including for vehicles with foreign registration. Toll charges apply only when passing through the Liefkenshoek tunnel, located near Antwerp. The cost of passing through the tunnel ranges from 3.56 to 19 euros, depending on the height of the vehicle, the time of day, and the payment method. The cheapest way to pay is by using the "Telepass" system, which automatically deducts money when passing through the tunnel.

When planning freight road transport in Belgium, it is important to consider the presence of LEZ zones in the country. These are low emission zones where the entry of vehicles that meet the Euro 1 environmental standard and below may be prohibited (information as of 2019, transport requirements may change). Entry into such zones is allowed only with prior registration on the website. Attempting to enter without registration will result in a fine of 150 euros. The fine will be imposed even if the vehicle meets the latest environmental standards. If inaccurate information about the vehicle is provided during registration for entry into the LEZ zone, a much larger fine awaits you in euros.

The total length of the road network in Belgium exceeds 154,000 km. Of these roads, 120,500 km have a solid surface.

Air transport in Belgium

Belgium has over 40 operational airports. The largest of them are located in the cities of:

• Brussels. The capital has 2 large airports.
• Antwerp.
• Bruges.
• Liège.

Delivery of goods to and from Belgium by airplanes is possible, although it is the most expensive method of transporting goods.

Water transport in Belgium

Belgium has access to the North Sea and is therefore connected to the world by sea transport routes. Maritime transport to Belgium is the cheapest way to deliver goods to this country from other continents. However, this method is also the slowest.

The main Belgian ports are:

• Antwerp. The port is located 90 km from the sea and is connected to it by the Scheldt River.
• Ghent. The port is located at the confluence of the Scheldt and Lys rivers. The distance of 32 km to the North Sea is covered by vessels via the canal.
• Newport.

River navigation is carried out on the Rupel, Scheldt, and Meuse rivers.

Rail transport in Belgium

The gauge of the Belgian railway is 1435 mm, which is narrower than what is familiar to residents of the CIS. This fact should be taken into account when planning rail transport to Belgium. Cargo will need to be transshipped. Probably, the ideal option for such transport is the use of ISO containers, which are the easiest to transship. The total length of the railways is 3374 km, of which double-track lines account for 3022 km, and 3002 km are electrified.

What is exported from Belgium

Belgium exports 40% of its industrial production abroad. The main exports are non-ferrous and ferrous metals, machinery products, electronics, Belgian chocolate and confectionery, wool carpets, and synthetic carpet coverings.