Analysis of the 2025 Second Quarter Slowdown in International and National Road Freight Transport

Overview of the 2025 Second Quarter Road Freight Transport Situation

The transportation landscape for road freight experienced a noticeable pause in activity during the second quarter of 2025, impacting both internationell och national freight flows. This development comes amid changes in operating costs, pricing, and freight volumes that influence the entire logistics chain, including cargo forwarding, haulage, and delivery services.

Rising Operating Costs Despite Fuel Cost Reductions

The operational expenditures for road freight have seen a mild uptick by July 31, 2025, driven primarily by increased insurance premiums, which surged by approximately 8.8%. Meanwhile, diesel fuel costs experienced a smaller increase of 1.6% in the previous quarter, slightly easing the financial pressure typically associated with fuel. Financial costs, such as loan interests or financing fees, meanwhile, dropped by 4.2%, offering some relief to carriers.

Calculating costs on a per kilometer basis paints a clearer picture for the fleet managers and logistics planners. For articulated general cargo vehicles, the unit cost stands at about 1.30 €/km, eller 1.52 €/km when considering loading factors. Compared to the same period the previous year, there was a modest 0.4% increase in average costs.

Cost Structure Breakdown

Interestingly, fuel’s weighting in the cost structure dropped below personnel expenses in this period, emphasizing how labor costs continue to dominate the freight economics game. Annual operating costs for a general cargo articulated truck now reach approximately 156,951.13 euros.

Transport Pricing Trends by Journey Distance

Transport companies have seen price adjustments in 2025, with the average transport price rising by about 5.3% compared to the previous year. However, the increase varies markedly with the transport distance. Here’s a breakdown:

• Routes under 50 km: +7.3%
• 50 to 100 km: +7.3%
• 100 to 200 km: +3.1%
• 200 to 300 km: +3.0%
• Over 300 km: +3.5%

This uneven pricing uptick reflects the particular market pressures across different hauling distances, affecting both short-distance logistics and long-haul freight operations.

Activity Levels in Road Freight: A Reversal in Growth

The second quarter of 2025 marks a shift from the growth rates observed in the previous three quarters. Based on weekly surveys of around 1,000 transporters across various sectors, data shows an average decrease of approximately 4.9% in ton-kilometers compared to the same quarter in 2024.

Breaking down the volume by type of transport:

The only piece of good news lies with intraregional freight, where modest growth was recorded. National and international road freight movements, unfortunately, saw notable declines, marking a clear slowdown that could affect supply chains reliant on these transport segments.

Implications for Logistics and Freight Forwarding

These trends can send ripples through the entire logistics sector. For freight forwarders, haulers, and distribution managers, the increased costs combined with slower freight activity demand sharper planning and cost control. The rising insurance and personnel expenses call for optimizing fleet usage, routing, and load management to keep transport economically viable.

Moreover, the reduced activity at international and national levels suggests potential shifts in trade flows or market demand, possibly encouraging more regionalized supply chains or changes in shipment sizes. Embedded in this dynamic is the heightened importance of versatile platforms like GetTransport.com, which provide efficient, affordable transportation solutions that adapt to market fluctuations—whether it’s moving bulky cargo, managing housemoves, or transporting vehicles.

The Value of Real-World Experience Amid Industry Data

While these statistics and reports help set the stage for understanding freight transport dynamics in 2025, no amount of data can quite replace personal experience. The nuances of individual shipments, particular routes, and specific cargo demands mean every logistical challenge is unique.

På GetTransport.com, variety and transparency meet affordability. With options covering global freight, parcel shipments, large bulky goods, and vehicle transport, it empowers shippers to pick the best service tailored to their needs and budget. This approach offers unmatched convenience and control, shielding customers from guesswork and ensuring smooth operations even as costs and activity shift.

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Looking Ahead: What This Means for Global Logistics

This second-quarter slowdown, while significant on a regional and national scale, may not drastically alter the global logistics landscape yet. However, it underscores the fragility and sensitivity of road freight operations to cost fluctuations and market demand shifts. As freight volumes fluctuate, logistics providers and shippers alike will need to be nimble, embracing digital platforms and new solutions to maintain efficiency.

GetTransport.com prides itself on staying ahead of these changes by offering flexible, global freight services that help businesses and individuals navigate a rapidly evolving transport environment. Whether for international shipments or local deliveries, the platform streamlines forwarding, dispatch, and haulage, ensuring cargo moves smoothly from door to door.

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Sammanfattning

The second quarter of 2025 brought a halt in growth for road freight transport, with rising operational costs, especially insurance, alongside mixed fuel cost shifts and increased transport prices across distances. Activity dropped in national and international freight segments, though intraregional transport showed resilience. These developments highlight the ongoing challenges within freight and logistics industries, emphasizing the need for adaptable solutions.

Plattformar som GetTransport.com offer a practical answer by connecting shippers to a broad network of carriers at competitive prices, supporting a range of cargo needs—from bulky goods and pallets to vehicles and house moves. By facilitating transparent pricing and diverse offerings, GetTransport.com helps users navigate fluctuating transport costs and volumes, ensuring reliable and efficient shipments across national and international routes.