Freight Rates and Fuel Surcharges Rise on European Routes

The market today in figures (CargoNice data)

The Orlen diesel price is 6,92 PLN/l as of 6 October 2026, down 0,02 PLN/l from the previous reading. The average diesel price in the EU is 2 237,18 EUR/1000L as of 28 September 2026; in Poland it is 2 060,34 EUR/1000L, and in Germany 2 437,00 EUR/1000L — also based on the reading from 28 September 2026.

The spot rate from Poland→Germany reaches 2,11 EUR/km as of 5 October 2026, while the Germany→Poland rate is 1,64 EUR/km on the same day. The index for journeys subject to German road tolls is 96,6 points (2021=100) as of 26 September 2026. The conclusion: a slight reduction in the domestic fuel price does not eliminate cost pressure in international haulage, where differences in diesel prices and lane-specific rates remain significant.

CMA CGM changes its inland surcharge in Europe

From 5 October 2026, CMA CGM is applying a revised Inland Emergency Fuel Surcharge for European inland transport. The road surcharge is 3% in Belgium and the Netherlands, 8% in France and Italy, 16% in Germany, 17% in Poland, 7% in Slovenia and 9% in Croatia.

The rule depends on the type of load: for exports, the departure date determines the applicable surcharge, while for imports it is the unloading date. The notice remains in effect until further notice and distinguishes the calculation method for road, rail-road, rail-terminal and barge transport in selected markets.

In practice, it is not enough to compare the ocean freight rate or door rate alone. When reselling the inland leg, it is necessary to check whether the surcharge is already included in the carrier’s quotation and whether the same mechanism has been passed on to the customer’s price. Source: CMA CGM

Neuss–Barcelona: three weekly rail rotations

On 5 October 2026, Kombiverkehr launched an intermodal connection between Neuss Trimodal and Barcelona Morrot, operating at a frequency of three round trips per week. The service expands the operator’s existing network for the Iberian Peninsula, which is also served from Ludwigshafen and Duisburg.

At Neuss, load units can be transferred to a service to Poznań. Barcelona, in turn, offers onward rail connections to Constantí and Madrid. The service is available for semi-trailers, swap bodies and containers, providing more planning options for different load profiles.

The operator says that expanding the network is intended to improve dispatch flexibility following restrictions related to low Rhine water levels. For transport orders requiring an alternative to road or inland waterway transport, it will be essential to compare actual cut-off times, unit availability and delivery conditions. Source: Kombiverkehr

October fuel indices: Slovakia, the Nordics and UK–EU

DHL Global Forwarding Slovakia has set its October fuel surcharge for road freight at 21,5%, up from 19,5% in September. The index is updated monthly and is based on the average diesel price in the EU-27, including VAT, published in the European Commission’s energy bulletin. Source: DHL Global Forwarding

Ahola Transport increased its indices for the period 1–15 October 2026: the Oil Bulletin-based index is 18,5% for Nordic traffic, 13,3% for Baltic traffic and 20,0% for Central and Eastern Europe. For CEE, this represents an increase from 15,2% in the period 21–30 September. The company also lists separate ETS charges on selected cross-border lanes. Source: Ahola Transport

P&O Freight has published its October charges for short-sea transport between the United Kingdom and the EU. On the Dover–Calais route, they amount to 31,94 EUR for units up to 8 metres and 75,29 EUR for units over 8 metres; the carrier also publishes materials on energy charges and border controls. Source: P&O Freight

The European Commission estimates that the physical supply of diesel in the EU remains stable for now, but prices are still high due to tensions in global markets. EU countries and the Commission have announced continued monitoring of the situation and coordinated action. Source: European Commission

GEODIS invests in electric trucks in France

GEODIS has ordered 110 electric trucks with a gross vehicle weight of 44 t from Renault Trucks and Volvo Trucks. Deliveries for urban and long-haul operations in France are planned by May 2027, and the European Road Network’s electric fleet is expected to total 190 vehicles once the order has been fulfilled.

The company is developing charging corridors in France, with distances of 250 to 500 km between charging points. The plan is to expand the network from around 60 to more than 200 charging points by 2030.

For the contract logistics market, this signals the growing availability of low-emission road capacity, but the number of vehicles ordered alone does not determine coverage of a specific lane. Before quoting, it is necessary to confirm service range, transit times associated with charging and any premium for the low-emission service. Source: GEODIS