The study accounted for differences in transport specifications, including mode of transport, equipment type and product classification. Companies participating in the study collaboratively spend approximately €420m ($560m) annually on chemical liquid bulk freight.

The study found that prices across different trade lanes often moved in opposite directions. For example, shipments originating from the Iberian peninsula on average became 9 percent less expensive, in part because because of the financial crisis in that part of Europe. During that same period, shipments out of Sweden became 5 percent more expensive.

While basic freight rates generally decreased from 2011 to 2012, increasing fuel prices (approximately 10 percent) propelled total costs for liquid bulk freight, indicating that fuel costs continue to account for an even larger part of total freight spend.

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