Transport market in Europe facing challenges

The transport market in Europe is showing dynamic trends at the beginning of 2026, but it faces significant challenges. According to the „TIMOCOM Transport Barometer,“ the structural conditions in road freight transport are characterized by high demand and simultaneously reduced availability of truck capacities. This situation is exacerbated by insolvencies and a progressive reduction in capacity, which could potentially be intensified by geopolitical developments, as the company reports.

Decline in truck capacities

In the first quarter of 2026, 41% more freight offers were posted on the company’s freight exchange compared to the previous year. Despite this high demand, the availability of transport capacities continues to decline. The number of truck capacities listed with TIMOCOM decreased by 7% during the same period compared to the first quarter of 2025. This discrepancy between supply and demand is making it increasingly difficult for shippers to find suitable loading capacities, especially on heavily frequented routes.

Gunnar Gburek, Company Spokesman & Head of Business Affairs at TIMOCOM, explains the situation as follows: „Geopolitical tensions and rising energy prices are increasing the pressure on transport companies to utilize their capacities as efficiently and profitably as possible. Since this is not always achievable, the consequence is that a part of the fleet is being taken out of service.“

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