FVL Cost Index

Update of the FVL Cost Index for Q3 and Q4 2023 released

ECG – the Association of European Vehicle Logistics – and PwC Austria continue
partnership to release regular index updates

The Finished Vehicle Logistics (FVL) Cost Index for Q4 2023 stands at 161.7 which indicates an overall cost increase of 61.7% from January 2019 to December 2023. For Q2 2023 the index stood at 158.7, hence, the index increased by 3.0 index-points since the last index update. For the four segments the following results were derived:
• Logistics segment road: The FVL Road Cost Index amounts to 126.7 for Q4 2023 which shows an overall cost increase of 26.7% between January 2019 and December 2023. For Q2 2023 the index stood at 123.1, hence, the index increased by 3.6 index-points since the last index update. The general cost increase is mainly based on substantial toll increases in various countries as well as further increases in labour costs.
• Logistics segment sea: The FVL Sea Cost Index amounts to 249.1 for Q4 2023 which shows an overall cost increase of 149.1% between January 2019 and December 2023. For Q2 2023 the index stood at 245.9, hence, the index increased by 3.2 index-points since the last index update. Time charter rates continue to rise and were again at an all-time high in Q4 2023 primarily driving this index development.
• Logistics segment rail: The FVL Rail Cost Index amounts to 125.4 for Q4 2023 which shows an overall cost increase of 25.4% between January 2019 and December 2023. For Q2 2023 the index stood at 122.1, hence, the index increased by 3.3 index-points since the last index update. This cost increase is mainly driven by rising asset costs and track access charges.
• Logistics segment compounds: The FVL Compounds Cost Index amounts to 117.8 for Q4 2023 which shows an overall cost increase of 17.8% between January 2019 and December 2023. For Q2 2023 the index stood at 116.2, hence, the index increased by 1.6 index-points since the last index update. This development is primarily caused by increases in labour costs with a counteracting effect caused by declining utility costs.

The full version of the updated figures for Q3 2023 and Q4 2023 differentiated by segments and countries is available as an appendix to the study released in March 2023 here.

Further updates of the index will be provided bi-annually. Should you have any questions on the FVL Cost Index or would like to be involved in the process of future index updates, please feel free to contact PwC Austria or the ECG secretariat.

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