With major ports in Amsterdam and most notably Rotterdam, the Netherlands is an important European logistics hub.

As such, haulage companies from across the continent are always keen to see how the nation's freight transport sector is performing.

According to a new study by Fast Market Research, the volume of cargo being handled throughout Holland is expected to rise by up to five per cent in 2013. This is despite the fact gross domestic product figures are predicted to fall by the end of the year.

The organisation said Holland's status as the main shipping gateway into Europe will ensure it bucks wider economic trends.

Indeed, Port of Rotterdam bulk throughput is predicted to rise by 5.1 per cent this year, while traffic at the Port of Amsterdam will increase by a more modest 2.2 per cent.

Road, rail and inland water freight activity is also expected to go up when compared with figures from 2012.