Transport: A69 drives up costs as rail loses volume

Market today in figures (CargoNice data)

The spot rate on the Poland→Germany lane is 2.22 EUR/km according to the reading of 9 November 2026, while on the Germany→Poland lane it is 1.80 EUR/km according to the reading of 9 November 2026. The ORLEN diesel price is 6.86 PLN/l as of 7 November 2026, while the load-to-truck ratio stands at 3.50 loads/vehicle as of 3 November 2026.

Compared with the previous reading, the Germany→Poland rate fell by 0.12 EUR/km, while Poland→Germany increased by 0.14 EUR/km. Diverging rate movements combined with a lower load-to-truck ratio point to a directional imbalance rather than a broad-based strengthening of the haulage market.

Combined transport in Europe turns negative again

In the third quarter of 2026, the volume of European combined transport fell by 1.23% year on year. After temporary stabilisation in spring, the sector returned to decline, according to UIRR data described on 6 November.

The attractiveness of rail-road transport is being affected by weak economic conditions, limited capacity on German rail corridors, low water levels on the Rhine, insufficient diversion routes and rising track access charges. As a result, some loads that can be transported by different modes may return to the road. This does not automatically mean upward pressure on road freight rates, however, as demand for freight remains weak. Source: Rail Hub

For intermodal quotations, it is important to check the availability and cost of the road option separately instead of assuming that rail has a permanent advantage on routes through Germany.

English Channel: more truck traffic

In October 2026, LeShuttle Freight carried 105 411 trucks through the English Channel, up 6% year on year. Since 1 January, nearly 990 000 heavy goods vehicles have used the service.

Getlink data show sustained demand on a key crossing for haulage between the United Kingdom and the continent. The Channel handles around one quarter of trade between the United Kingdom and continental Europe, making the increase in traffic an important signal when planning accompanied transport on the GB–EU route. Source: Getlink

Higher volume does not determine rates on its own, but it increases the importance of confirming bookings and the availability of specific crossings. The standard time required to organise the crossing should not replace verification of space for the booked vehicle.

A69 in France: high toll for trucks

The A69 motorway between Castres and Toulouse/Verfeil opened on 6 November 2026. The route operates under a free-flow tolling system: four gantries do not require vehicles to stop, but the toll must be settled via a télépéage device or online within 72 hours.

For a Class 4 vehicle combination meeting the Euro VI standard, travelling the entire route costs 27.80 EUR. For a Euro 0–IV vehicle, the toll is 30.60 EUR. The stated truck cost is approximately 0.59 EUR/km, making the A69 a significant, separate component of the calculation for this connection. Source: TollCalc

The quotation must account not only for the crossing cost itself, but also for payment administration after the transport has been completed. Failure to verify the settlement method may create operational risk after delivery.

Black Sea: new ONE surcharge for Bulgaria and Georgia

Ocean Network Express has confirmed an updated war risk surcharge for Bulgaria and Georgia. It takes effect on 8 November 2026 and applies to ocean shipments connected with Black Sea gateways.

The carrier confirms the countries and the effective date on its local information page, but the information provided does not specify the surcharge amount or the detailed scope of bookings covered. Before submitting an “all-in” quotation, it is therefore necessary to obtain the applicable tariff from ONE and confirm whether it covers the specific booking. Source: Ocean Network Express

This is particularly relevant to multimodal quotations in which ocean freight via Bulgaria is combined with road delivery. The price of the road leg does not protect the margin if the ocean purchase does not include the new cost item.

In brief

• Between 7–9 November 2026, truck traffic restrictions apply in many transit countries. Sunday, 8 November, is a ban day in 16 countries, including Austria, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland. Source: TruckBans
• Additional restrictions have been indicated for Monday, 9 November, including in Spain, Portugal, Sweden and Romania. The rules depend on the country, road class, vehicle weight and exemptions for international traffic, so the dispatcher should check the specific journey rather than rely on a general rule. Source: Transport Online