EU Road Freight Grows as Fuel Prices Rise

Market today in figures (CargoNice data)

The Orlen diesel price was 7,48 PLN/l, according to the reading from 25 September 2026. The average diesel price in the EU reached 2 226,44 EUR/1000L in data from 21 September 2026, while in Germany it stood at 2 457,00 EUR/1000L on the same day.

The rate on the Poland→Germany lane was 2,09 EUR/km on 21 September 2026, while the load-to-truck ratio reached 5,70 loads/vehicle on 23 September 2026. The Orlen diesel price increased by 0,14 PLN/l compared with the previous reading. Rising fuel costs combined with falling rates on one of the key lanes require margins to be calculated separately for each route.

EU: road freight volumes rise again

Road freight in the European Union transported 13,29 billion tonnes of goods in 2025, 1,8% more than a year earlier. Eurostat data confirm an increase in underlying demand for road haulage across the single market, despite cost pressures on carriers.

Food products, beverages and tobacco accounted for the largest share of activity measured in tonne-kilometres: 311,1 billion tkm, or 16,6% of the EU total. This is an important signal for companies serving retail networks and food producers, as it highlights the importance of a segment requiring reliable vehicle availability and on-time deliveries.

An increase in volume does not automatically mean higher rates. CargoNice data put the Poland→Germany rate at 2,09 EUR/km as of 21 September 2026, so the argument of stronger demand should be considered alongside the actual supply of vehicles on a given route. Source: Eurostat

Spain: shorter payment terms for carriers

The average payment period in Spanish road haulage was 52 days in August 2026. According to the payment observatory cited by an industry source, this was a record low and an improvement for carriers that finance fuel, wages and servicing before receiving payment.

The share of payers settling their debts after the statutory deadline fell to 38%. The improvement was linked to the use of late-payment penalties, but the figure still shows that a significant proportion of ordering parties and intermediaries exceed the deadline. The national average therefore does not replace an assessment of the specific counterparty.

For transport orders involving Spanish subcontractors, it is worth separating the assessment of operational capacity from the assessment of credit risk. A carrier may benefit from a better payment environment, but still needs predictable settlement of each individual order. Source: Trans.INFO

The Netherlands: new border checks from 1 October

Temporary checks at the Netherlands’ internal borders will end on 30 September 2026. From 1 October 2026, the Marechaussee will switch to an expanded Mobile Security Monitoring model based on more flexible, risk-based checks.

Monitoring will cover wider border areas with Belgium and Germany, and checks may also apply to heavy goods vehicles. The government says it will limit disruption to ordinary traffic, but the model does not mean that vehicles will never be stopped: carriers should be ready to present transport, customs and employment documents.

When planning routes through the Netherlands, an operational buffer should be allowed, particularly for loads with a tight delivery window. With the EU diesel price at 2 226,44 EUR/1000L as of 21 September 2026, additional detention time increases the cost of executing the transport order. Source: Government of the Netherlands

In brief

• German Reinert Logistics has ordered 500 Volvo FH Aero LNG tractor units, with deliveries due to begin in 2027. The company cited its experience operating 50 gas-powered vehicles in 2025 and 2026. The order increases the prospects for the availability of low-emission long-haul fleets in Germany. Source: Volvo Trucks

• In Poland, the president of a transport company received a 25 000 PLN fine following an inspection concerning 58 foreign drivers. The inspection covered the documentation of 131 drivers from Belarus, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye and Ukraine; their actual working conditions did not correspond to the conditions specified in their permits. Source: Trans.INFO