Measures
The NES Logistics Division has drawn up a range of measures to deal with severe supply bottlenecks in the transport of vital goods should the private sector be unable to cope.
Maintaining road transport capacity
The NES has drawn up three measures to increase road transport capacity for goods distribution:
- Temporary use of the original gross vehicle weight for unladen heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and trailers
- Temporary suspension of the ban on Sunday and night-time driving for HGVs
- Temporary increased flexibility in the deployment rules for HGV drivers
The NES Logistics Division must confirm that these measures are required before they can be implemented by haulage companies. The measures are based in part on relevant legislation issued by the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) and are carried out in close coordination with this office.
Adjusting working hours for railway companies
In the event of shortages, more staff may be required, especially in rail transport, where working time regulations for engine drivers are very strict.
By temporarily relaxing the regulations in the event of a shortage, working hours can be extended and any staff shortages alleviated. This will allow important transport operations to supply Switzerland with the goods it needs.
This measure is based on the regulations of the Federal Office of Transport (FOT) and is implemented in consultation with the FOT.
Prioritisation of rail transport
Rail capacity is limited, with tracks shared between goods and passenger services. If a line has to be closed or there is an increase in the volume of freight that needs to be transported, supply may be disrupted.
The NES Logistics Division can order a temporary change in the use of the rail network for the transport of vital goods, in accordance with the National Economic Supply Act (NESA).
This measure is also based on legislation issued by the Federal Office of Transport (FOT) and is activated in consultation with this office.
Prioritised handling of essential goods at freight terminals
Intermodal freight terminals are important logistics hubs at which goods are transferred from one means of transport to another, for example from rail to road or from ship to rail. Bottlenecks in freight handling may affect the supply of essential goods to Switzerland, especially if no alternative transport routes are available.
The National Economic Supply Act (NESA) allows the Logistics Division to temporarily prioritise the handling of important goods.
Swiss maritime fleet
In the event of a supply bottleneck, the federal government can order an increase in maritime shipping capacity under the NESA. Owners of ships flying the Swiss flag can be required to conclude an agreement to transport vital goods by sea.
Agreements
In addition to drawing up direct NES measures, a further role of the Logistics Division is to boost resilience by promoting and supporting cooperation between the various economic players in the interests of national economic supply.
Otral Terminal agreement
Four terminal operators have concluded this agreement to coordinate their logistics services in the event of supply bottlenecks. This allows them to maintain operations for as long as possible in the event of capacity loss or increased demand without the state having to intervene.
Otral Oil Products agreement
Seven companies in the oil products logistics chain have concluded this agreement to coordinate and optimise their logistics in the event of supply bottlenecks. This allows them to cooperate to increase the transport volume for oil products over the short term.