Freight in Europe: Port Strike and Customs Risk

The market today in figures (CargoNice data)

The Orlen diesel price stood at 6,92 PLN/l on 3 September 2026, while the change from the previous reading was +0,29 PLN/l. The average diesel price in Poland in the European comparison reached 1 669,36 EUR/1000L on 31 August 2026, compared with 2 232,00 EUR/1000L in Germany and 2 039,15 EUR/1000L for the EU on the same day.

The model spot rate on the Poland–Germany route was 2,20 EUR/km on 31 August 2026, while the Germany–Poland rate was 1,52 EUR/km. The euro exchange rate was 4,3311 PLN on 2 September 2026. The increase in the domestic fuel price, combined with lower average diesel prices in Poland and the EU, makes it more important to update fuel surcharges and calculate rates by direction instead of applying a single rate across the entire network.

Customs liability in Poland could burden EU supply chains

FIATA, CLECAT, CER and UIRR have called on the European Commission to intervene urgently over retrospective customs liabilities imposed by Polish authorities on logistics operators. According to the organisations, the potential value of the claims amounts to hundreds of millions of euros, and some companies may not survive financially during the time required to process appeals. Source: FIATA

The issue is not limited to companies from Poland. It concerns customs exposure occurring in EU supply chains and therefore also affects freight forwarders, customs agents, carriers and contractors using the same service models. The risk is primarily one of liquidity: a customs decision or dispute arising later may weaken a partner’s ability to settle amounts due or fulfil transport orders. Source: European logistics associations

In practice, it is worth reviewing historical declarations, contractual liability waivers and the credit exposure of partners involved in customs clearance. Relationships in which the freight forwarder finances customs clearance, collects receivables after the due date or depends on a single subcontractor are particularly important.

Strike at Dutch ports to halt vessel handling

The CNV trade union has announced a strike by port workers in Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Zeeland on 4 September 2026, from 11:15 to 19:00. Vessel handling is expected to be suspended during this period, and delays may affect cargo handling, securing of loads, towing and inspections. Source: CNV

The protest is related to planned cuts to the social security system. For the market, the key issue is the impact of a short but complete suspension of vessel handling: terminal backlogs may affect import collections, export deliveries, empty container releases and truck bookings in north-western Europe. Local freight forwarders in Rotterdam are already warning customers about shipment delays. Source: Embassy Freight

Cut-off status, truck slots and empty container availability should be confirmed rather than assuming operations will proceed according to the standard plan. Transport orders with collection or delivery deadlines falling directly within the protest window are most exposed.

Spanish diesel and Polish tariffs increase cost pressure

The Spanish tax authorities have confirmed that in September 2026, extraordinary support for professional diesel amounts to 0,05 EUR/l for eligible road freight vehicles weighing at least 7,5 tonnes. In August, the support amounted to 0,15 EUR/l, meaning that the cost base of Spanish carriers is changing significantly from month to month. The application is handled through the professional diesel refund system, and using the correct fuel card constitutes the application. Source: Agencia Tributaria

At the same time, Maersk has announced an adjustment to inland tariffs in Poland from 1 October 2026. The change will cover direct trucking and rail intermodal deliveries via German ports, as well as direct trucking via the port of Gdańsk. The revised rates will be applied in quotations, tariffs and contracts in accordance with the applicable trading conditions and the principle of the ocean booking price calculation date. Source: Maersk

The shipping line cites changes to e-TOLL, rising road charges in Europe, and labour, insurance and compliance costs. Freight forwarders handling containers should therefore separate September road quotations from quotations including October delivery and check the clauses allowing changed costs to be passed on to the customer.

In brief

• 547 transport company bankruptcies were recorded in Belgium in the first eight months of 2026, up 11,88% year on year; the issue particularly affects smaller carriers and courier companies. Source: Logistiek.be Source: Statbel
• JOST has signed an agreement to acquire Germany’s CTJ Janssen, an operator active in road transport, logistics and warehousing; the group is set to operate in 10 countries in Europe. Source: JOST
• Bulgaria has announced temporary restrictions for vehicles above 12 tonnes around the national holiday on 6 September 2026, covering selected sections of motorways and first-class roads. Source: vBulgaria
• Selected provisions of an EU regulation on interoperable data exchange in rail transport came into force on 2 September 2026, with relevance for rail freight and cargo handling facilities. Source: EUR-Lex