Survey: what is the status of aggregate transport by rail?
Each year, UNICEM (National Union of Quarry Industries and Construction Materials) publishes a detailed survey on aggregate rail traffic. This survey is crucial for the sector, as it provides essential data to assess performance, anticipate trends, and identify challenges specific to this strategic mode of transport. In 2023, the results show an overall drop in traffic, reflecting trends in the sector. This observation raises questions about the future of this mode of transport, which is both strategic and environmentally responsible. In this article, we explore the key figures, regional dynamics, advantages, and perspectives for this essential sector.
A brief history of aggregate transport by rail
The transport of aggregates by rail has a long history in France. Since the first major rail infrastructures in the 19th century, this mode of transport has played a central role in transporting heavy materials over long distances. With the rise of urbanization and major public works in the 20th century, it quickly became a pillar of large-scale projects, especially for road and rail infrastructure projects. However, the last few decades have seen increased competition from road transport, which is more flexible but less sustainable.
Despite this, rail transport remains strategic in order to limit environmental pollution and meet the needs of construction sites that require large volumes of aggregates. The development of Greater Paris, for example, illustrates the importance of this sector in modern urban logistics.
Declining rail traffic: an observation that needs to be qualified
According to UNICEM data, rail transport of aggregates registered a decrease of 5.2% in 2023 compared to the previous year. In absolute terms, this represents 8.669 million tons transported. Although this decrease is significant, it is still less marked than the 9% decrease observed in overall aggregate production. This shows that railways maintain a certain level of resilience in the face of market fluctuations.
Comparison with other modes of transport
To understand this dynamic, it is useful to compare railways to other modes of transport. Trucking, for example, offers great flexibility for short distance deliveries, but its carbon footprint is much greater. As for river transport, it has the advantage of a very competitive cost per ton kilometer but remains limited by geography and the state of the infrastructure.
In summary, railways occupy an intermediate position, offering an ideal compromise for medium and long distance flows. Its main limitation remains network coverage and access costs.
Key figures for 2023*
The data collected by the UNICEM economic and statistical service make it possible to draw up a precise portrait of the current situation:
- Tons transported : 8.669 million (-5.2% compared to 2022)
- Tonne-kilometers (tkm) : 1,690 billion (-8.1%)
- Average distance : 195 km (-3%)
- Careers connected to the rail network : 55, of which only 28 are active
These figures clearly show that rail transport, although on the decline, is still an important part of aggregate logistics. However, the inactivity of nearly half of careers connected to the network raises questions.
Flows in detail: state of play and trends
Nearly 48% of rail aggregate flows in 2023 were delivered directly to construction sites. This important part highlights the strategic role of railways in major construction projects, where volume and logistics needs are often critical.
Focus on intra-regional flows
In 2023, 30.7% of the volumes transported were intra-regional, a slight increase compared to 2021 (29.7%). This figure represents 2.66 million tons. This increase could be interpreted as an improvement in the proximity between quarries and construction sites, thus reducing transport distances and associated costs.
Major interregional flows
Some regions stand out for the importance of their interregional flows. The major contributors are Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Champagne-Ardenne and Poitou-Charentes, whose aggregates are mainly intended for Île-de-France. The latter remains a major consumer center, due to the numerous infrastructure projects, in particular as part of the Grand Paris Express.
The ecological and strategic advantages of railways
Rail transport has undeniable advantages in terms of sustainability. With a carbon footprint much lower than that of road transport, it is essential to reduce the environmental impact of construction sites.
Reducing emissions
Rail transport is distinguished by its environmental efficiency. On average, it emits 75% less CO₂ per tonne-kilometer than road transport. This performance makes it an essential solution for companies committed to reducing their carbon footprint. In addition, its adoption contributes to the climate goals set at national and European levels, while offering a sustainable alternative for the transport of aggregates and other building materials, which are often transported over long distances.
Fewer annoyances
In addition to its environmental benefits, rail transport also generates less pollution for local communities. Compared to road transport, it considerably reduces noise pollution and limits congestion on roads, issues that are particularly sensitive in dense urban areas such as Île-de-France. These benefits result in an improvement in the quality of life of local residents and a reduction in the deterioration of road infrastructures, which are often subject to significant wear and tear due to heavy vehicles.
The challenges ahead
Despite its numerous advantages, the transport of aggregates by rail faces structural and economic challenges. The high costs of accessing the rail network, the interruptions associated with strikes, and the outdated nature of certain infrastructures limit its competitiveness and attractiveness for actors in the sector. These obstacles hinder the deployment of this advantageous solution and require targeted investments to modernize the network and strengthen its reliability.
Costs and competitiveness
The cost of accessing the rail network remains a major obstacle for operators. Indeed, although rail offers economies of scale in the long term, initial costs can be a deterrent, especially for small businesses. Moreover, road transport, thanks to its flexibility and to user costs that are often perceived as more affordable, constitutes direct competition. This situation highlights the importance of increased support from public authorities, in the form of subsidies or fiscal incentives, to make rail more accessible and competitive compared to roads.
Source: UNICEM