If your recent truck quotes have gone up, there's a reason. European road freight costs are rising across the market, not just with one carrier or on one lane. Here is what is pushing prices up, based on public industry data.
Rates are up across the market
The quarterly European Road Freight Rate Benchmark by Upply, Transport Intelligence (Ti) and IRU shows a sharp rise in Q2 2026:
- The contract rate index reached 148.0. That is up 7.9 points on the quarter and 15.2 points on the year.
- The spot rate index climbed 14.6 points in a single quarter to 146.8 — nearly double the quarterly pace of contract rates.
- Volumes fell 1.6% year on year. In other words, demand is not what is driving rates up. Costs are.
The report expects rates to keep rising through the second half of 2026 as carriers pass these costs on. (IRU, Ti Insight, Upply)
Fuel: the biggest single driver
In Q2 2026, EU diesel averaged €1.94 per litre — 27% higher than a year earlier, with a peak of €2.19 in April. Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries about 20% of the world's oil, caused much of the spike. Prices eased in June but went back above €2.00/L on 22 July.
According to the French CNR long-haul truck index, total operating costs rose by almost 10% year on year. Carriers cannot absorb a cost shock that large, so it shows up in freight rates and fuel surcharges. (IRU)
Drivers are scarce and getting older
IRU's 2025 driver shortage survey found that 13% of truck driver positions in Europe are unfilled — about 502,000 jobs. Around 660,500 European drivers are expected to retire by 2030, and young drivers make up only about 5–6% of the workforce.
About two-thirds of European operators say they turn down contracts because they don't have enough drivers. Fewer drivers means less capacity and higher wages, and both push rates up. (IRU – Driver shortage, IRU report)
Tolls now include CO₂ and pollution charges
Under the EU Eurovignette Directive, truck tolls must vary by CO₂ emissions from 2024 and include the external cost of air pollution from 2026. Germany has added a CO₂ component to its truck toll. Austria's 2026 GO toll includes surcharges for air pollution, noise and CO₂. For a typical 4+ axle Euro VI truck, that comes to roughly €0.51–0.57 per km before VAT, and more on routes such as the Brenner and Karawanken tunnel sections.
On a route from Koper to Central Europe, tolls alone can add a significant amount to every trip. (European Commission, ASFINAG, Council of the EU)
Regulation: the EU Mobility Package
The EU Mobility Package brought in rules on drivers' rest, regular return of trucks to the home base, posting of drivers at local wage levels, and smart tachographs. These rules improve working conditions and fair competition. They also add cost and reduce how flexibly trucks can be used on international routes. (European Commission – Mobility Package)
What this means for you
Higher road freight prices reflect real cost increases across the sector. At Europacific we:
- base our quotes on transparent, distance-based pricing, with a fuel surcharge (BAF) that follows diesel costs;
- work with a network of reliable partners, so capacity is there when you need it;
- combine sea, road and rail through the port of Koper to find the most cost-effective route.
Planning shipments for the coming months? Contact us at info@europacific.com and we'll find the best solution for your cargo.
Sources: IRU, Upply, Transport Intelligence, European Commission, Council of the EU, ASFINAG. Figures as published in 2026.