Transport: holidays squeeze capacity, increasing risk

Market today in figures (CargoNice data)

The spot rate on the Poland→Germany lane was 2.30 EUR/km on 26 October 2026, while the Germany→Poland route stood at 1.87 EUR/km on the same day. The diesel price in Germany reached 2 298.00 EUR/1000 l on 26 October 2026, while the EU average was 2 146.19 EUR/1000 l. The diesel price in Poland was 7.25 PLN/l on 30 October 2026.

The Poland→Germany rate increased by 0.22 EUR/km compared with the previous reading, while the diesel price in Poland fell by 0.03 PLN/l. The market is therefore pricing westbound haulage higher, despite a slight reduction in Polish fuel costs.

Transport insolvencies are rising faster than across the economy as a whole

Corporate insolvency declarations in the EU transport sector increased by 11.4% quarter on quarter in Q2 2026. Across all sectors of the economy, the increase was 5.7% over the same period, highlighting stronger pressure on carriers and logistics operators in particular. Source: Eurostat

The situation in Germany remains difficult. Allianz Trade forecasts around 25 900 corporate insolvencies in Germany in 2026, up 8% year on year and the highest level since 2013. In German transport and warehousing, the number of insolvencies increased by 8% in the first half of the year, compared with 5% for the economy as a whole. Source: trans.iNFO

For a freight forwarder, this means checking subcontractors’ financial condition, credit limits and receivables ageing more frequently, particularly across longer payment chains. The risk is not limited to Germany: EU data points to a sector-wide problem that may affect carrier availability and the recovery of receivables in cross-border relationships.

Bans on 31 October and 1 November will reduce truck capacity

On Saturday 31 October, truck restrictions will come into force in several European countries, while on Sunday 1 November they will be reinforced as All Saints’ Day coincides with regular Sunday bans. The restrictions apply in Austria, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia and Switzerland. Source: Cargopedia

In Germany, the public-holiday ban on 31 October applies in the federal states observing Reformation Day, followed by a nationwide Sunday ban from 1 November. In Austria, the weekend restriction for vehicles covered by the rules begins at 15:00 on 31 October. Exact times and exemptions vary between countries. Source: Logistikpuls

Planning should take into account not only driving time, but also waiting time and confirmation that the vehicle and load meet the requirements for any applicable exemption. Pickup and delivery times should be confirmed particularly carefully for transit through Germany, Austria, Italy and Central Europe.

Austria: mandatory winter equipment from 1 November

From 1 November 2026, 00:00, a requirement for winter tyres and snow chains will apply in Austria to N2 and N3 category vehicles. The new seasonal obligation operates alongside existing weekend, public-holiday and night-time restrictions on heavy goods traffic. Source: RIS – Austrian legislation

The night-time driving restriction on the A12 between Langkampfen and Zirl remains in force on the approach to the Brenner. The next planned heavy goods traffic metering day in Kufstein falls on 4 November. The information was checked on 29 October against Austrian legislation and the Tyrol calendar. Source: data.gv.at

For haulage through Austria, it is crucial to confirm the equipment of the specific tractor unit in advance, rather than relying solely on the vehicle’s stated availability. A vehicle without compliant equipment may not be practically available to fulfil the transport order on the scheduled date.

In brief

• Danish Scan Global Logistics signed an agreement on 28 October to acquire US-based OIA Global. OIA employs more than 1 200 people, has more than 60 offices in over 30 countries, and generated approximately 780 million USD in revenue in 2025. Closing of the transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected in Q1 2027; until then, the companies will remain independent. Source: Scan Global Logistics

• GRUBER Logistics is integrating Hamburg-based Gruber AG, strengthening multimodal connections between northern and central Italy and the Port of Hamburg via the Brenner. The combined operation handles more than 20 000 rail shipments annually on this corridor and includes freight forwarding operations, vehicles and semi-trailers. Source: GRUBER Logistics