1.1 Background  

Europe is considered as one of the global leaders in the logistics sector. Eight EU Member States are ranked among the top 10 countries in terms of logistics performance for the year 2018, while the market size of the logistics sector in Europe was estimated as being equal to €878bn in 2012.  

However, in various sectors, logistics costs remain a significant part of total supply chain costs. These logistics costs represent 12% of total cost in the manufacturing sector and more than 20% in the retail sector. Moreover, logistics efficiency could be improved. Statistics have shown that 24% of all vehicle movements per kilometre in the EU are not carrying goods, while the average load factor 
for vehicles is estimated as being 57%.  

To enhance efficiency in the EU logistics sector, increased collaboration could improve the current situation. More efficient synchronized networks and a decrease in operational costs are the main benefits  for  the companies involved in cooperation schemes, as it has been estimated  that cost savings and efficiency gains of 6‐10%, according to Transport Intelligence, or a reduction of 9‐30% in distribution costs, could be expected.