Road transport in Europe – quarterly report
July shook up European routes
Although in May and June the market seemed to be moving towards equilibrium, July brought a real “earthquake.” The number of freight offers on transport exchanges in Europe rose sharply, but the availability of means of transport fell.
This is a new market paradox: demand is growing, but supply is not keeping up.
A report by the Polish Road Transport Institute, prepared in cooperation with Trans.eu and CargoON, analyzes data from 18 major transport corridors in Europe, revealing not only the numbers, but also the mechanisms behind them.
Europe at a crossroads
On most routes – including Germany–France, Belgium–France, and France–Spain – the number of loads posted increased by as much as 50–57% year-on-year.
At the same time, the number of freight searches by carriers has decreased, which means that there is a shortage of available trucks. This is particularly evident on the Germany–France and Germany–Italy routes, which are key to European trade.
Rising rates – an unbroken trend
Since April 2025, transport rates have been rising on all routes analyzed.
The strongest increases in July were recorded between:
- France and Spain +15.9%,
- Netherlands and Germany +15.2%,
- Germany and France +12–14%.
The data shows that high fuel costs, driver shortages, and supply chain tensions continue to drive up transport prices.
Poland – signs of recovery, but also cost pressure
In Poland, a gradual rebound can be seen – the number of freight offers from Germany (+25%) and the United Kingdom (+22%) is growing, but carrier activity remains low.
According to experts, carriers are fleeing the West for less cost-intensive markets, and the size of the fleet in Poland is shrinking by as much as several dozen percent.
Companies are increasingly choosing shorter routes and lower tolls to maintain profitability. At the same time, pressure on domestic rates continues, partly due to declining inflation and fuel clauses.
Natalia Foszt
Omiga VLS
Germany wakes up from its slumber
After months of stagnation, German customers have finally begun to increase their activity – the number of freight offers is growing in all directions, especially to Switzerland (+96%), the Czech Republic (+55%) and Belgium (+52%).
Experts attribute this to a slight economic recovery and an increase in the PMI index in Germany.
The European transport market is still in an adjustment phase. Carriers are competing more intensely for freight, but structural costs – fuel, wages, regulations – will continue to drive up rates.
Jorge Lloret Peiró
CEO Monsala Business SLU
Key takeaways
✅ Demand for road transport in Europe is growing, but there is a shortage of transport capacity.
✅ Freight rates have been rising steadily since April.
✅ Poland and Spain are countries that are maintaining their growth momentum.
✅ The transport industry is facing the need to reorganize its routes and costs.
