Transport: German port strike and fuel surcharges

Market today in figures (CargoNice data)

The Orlen diesel price is 7,07 PLN/l, according to the reading from 4 September 2026. The average diesel price in Poland was 1 669,36 EUR/1000L as of 31 August 2026, compared with 2 232,00 EUR/1000L in Germany on the same date and an EU average of 2 039,15 EUR/1000L, also as of 31 August 2026.

The spot rate on the Poland–Germany route reached 2,17 EUR/km as of 31 August 2026, while the Germany–Poland rate stood at 1,62 EUR/km. Orlen’s retail diesel price increased by 0,15 PLN/l compared with the previous reading. At the same time, the average diesel cost in Poland fell by 58,82 EUR/1000L, separating current pressure on local fuel costs from the latest EU price reading.

Strike at ports in northern Germany

A 48-hour warning strike by the ver.di union was under way at the ports of Hamburg, Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven. According to a notice published on 3 September, the action may affect terminal operations, vessel handling and load movements until 4 September 2026. Source: Bertling

For road transport, the immediate operational restrictions are not the only concern. Congestion and delays in restoring normal operations may persist after the action ends, affecting container collection times, releases and transport arranged by the shipping line.

Before confirming a vehicle, it is worth checking the load release status, terminal slot and cut-off times again. This is particularly important for shipments where delayed collection could trigger detention costs or put the delivery deadline at risk.

New rules for importing animal-origin goods into the EU

As of 3 September 2026, Regulation (EU) 2024/2598 applies to the conditions for bringing certain live animals, products of animal origin, animal by-products and germinal products into the Union. The European Commission has updated its guidance for border controls to reflect this date. Source: European Commission

The rules include requirements linked, among other things, to lists of third countries and official certificates. For the road transport operator, it is crucial to verify document compliance and the qualification of the goods’ origin before planning the EU leg from the border control post.

This is not solely a matter for the customs agent. The absence of the correct certificate or failure to meet origin conditions may disrupt the schedule of reefer transport, food distribution or the transport of veterinary products after entry into the EU.

Fuel: fresh EU data and surcharges in the north

On 3 September, the European Commission published its weekly oil bulletin with prices for petroleum products, prices excluding taxes, and data on duties and taxes in EU Member States. National data is collected on Wednesdays and then published by the Commission on Thursdays. Source: European Commission

Separately, as of 2 September Maersk has been applying an emergency fuel and energy surcharge to Store Door shipments in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. The rates are 10%, 6%, 5%, 3%, 11% and 17%, respectively, while the rate for Norway is 0%; solutions using electric trucks and rail are not subject to the surcharge. The carrier reserves the right to review the percentages weekly. Source: Maersk

Ocean Network Express has also announced an updated ONE Bunker Surcharge tariff, effective from 1 October to 31 December 2026 for trades regulated and not regulated by the FMC. The notice covers, among other things, Asia–Europe and Asia–Mediterranean services, which are relevant to subsequent inland distribution from European ports. Source: Ocean Network Express

In brief

• The Lazio Administrative Court has temporarily suspended the rules for Rome’s ZTL A1 zone concerning courier and postal vehicles, ahead of the planned entry into force of the city regulation on 7 September 2026; the remaining access rules for freight transport continue to apply. Source: Roma Tomorrow
• Blue Door Logistics Limited has entered creditors’ voluntary liquidation, with a liquidator appointed on 2 September 2026, while Henshaw Logistics Ltd appears in the 3 September update with formal notices concerning resolutions and the liquidator. Source: Administrator UK Source: Company Insolvency Register
• Three September insolvencies have been recorded in the Dutch transport and warehousing sector: Pure Transport B.V., Vertex Dangerous Goods Services & Consultancy B.V. and Dutch Warehousing & Processing B.V. All entries are dated 2 September; the industry tracker indicates 149 insolvencies in 2026, 10% more than in the comparable period of 2025. Source: FaillissementsDossier.nl