Longer and more frequent traf®c jams in the Netherlands are increasing the costs of transporting cargo. Tightly scheduled production
systems rely on punctual materials movements, but are congestion-induced delays suf®cient to stimulate freight mode switching from road to
combined road±rail and road±water movements? A survey of Dutch transport companies revealed an estimated 10% of vehicle operating
time spent in congested conditions. The perceived impact on transport operations, consumers and service characteristics are reported. Based
on the survey ®ndings, a vehicle cost simulation attributed 7% of transport costs to congestion, increasing the attractiveness of multimodal
transport and other solutions