Intermodal transport in Italy is undergoing a major transformation: the country aims to shift 30% of freight over 300 km from road to rail by 2030. However, rail currently accounts for only 12%, compared to an EU average of 17%. The situation is further complicated by unprecedented infrastructure work on the RFI network, which will last until 2026–2027 and is already leading to reduced capacity, route diversions, and increased delivery times. This modernization is aimed at meeting TEN-T standards and should ensure increased efficiency and sustainability in future transport.
At the same time, the road sector is facing a serious labor crisis: the number of Driver Qualification Card holders in Italy has fallen by more than a third, and up to 45% of drivers are now over 55. A shortage of over 22,000 drivers is projected for 2025, while hundreds of thousands of vacancies remain unfilled across Europe. Staff shortages, rising fuel, maintenance, and labor costs are making road transport increasingly expensive and less flexible, increasing pressure on intermodal supply chains.
Under these conditions, operators, including GTS S.p.A., are shifting to highly flexible planning, adapting routes and schedules in near real time. Amid rising operating costs and diminishing logistics predictability, companies are being forced to revise rates and transit times. This is seen as a necessary measure to ensure reliability, sustainability, and maintaining service quality amidst profound industry restructuring.