Margins road freight further eroded last year

Margin pressure in road transport increases further: rising costs put logistics chains under strain

Profitability within road transport is under renewed pressure. New figures show that cost increases in 2025 outpaced the rates carriers could pass on. The outlook also remains challenging for 2026 due to higher diesel prices, rising labor costs, interest costs and the introduction of the trucking levy. For the logistics industry, this means that transportation capacity, price stability and delivery reliability will increasingly come together in one issue.

Costs are rising faster than rates

Although transportation rates rose slightly last year, operating costs increased significantly more. Higher wages, financing costs, insurance and equipment costs in particular are weighing heavily on carriers' operations. On top of that, recent geopolitical tensions are putting new pressure on diesel prices. Because fuel costs are not always passed on directly by contract, many carriers are experiencing temporary additional pressure on liquidity and margins.

Direct impact on supply chains

• These developments affect not only carriers themselves, but also clients and shippers.
• Higher distribution costs: Rate adjustments and surcharges are becoming increasingly necessary.
• Less available capacity: Carriers are becoming more selective about which volumes are profitable.
• Increased pressure on scheduling: A shortage of trucks and drivers can lead to longer lead times.
• Greater volatility: Rapid changes in fuel and toll costs make budgeting more complex.

Market shifts from price to quality

In a market with structurally higher costs, a clear trend is emerging: it is no longer the lowest price that matters, but rather reliability and efficiency that are decisive. Shippers are increasingly opting for logistics partners who can guarantee continuity and actively contribute ideas for supply chain optimization. This requires collaboration, transparent pricing mechanisms, and the smart deployment of transportation resources, warehouses, and data.

How Neele-Vat supports you with rising transportation costs As a logistics director, Neele-Vat understands that rising road transportation costs directly impact your total supply chain. That is why we help our clients not only with transport execution, but especially with controlling costs, capacity and performance.

We provide concrete support by:

• Smart network optimization: Consolidating shipments, route efficiency, and higher load factors reduce costs per kilometer.
• Multimodal alternatives: Where possible, we switch between road transport, rail, short-sea shipping, or barge transport.
• Warehouse strategy: Strategic inventory storage prevents unnecessary rush deliveries and peak-period transport.
• Capacity assurance: Thanks to our established network of carriers and our own assets, we ensure continuity.
• Full cost transparency: Transparency regarding surcharges, fuel components, and rate structures prevents surprises.

Looking ahead is essential

With cost increases occurring at a rapid pace, reactive operations are becoming increasingly expensive. Companies that adjust their logistics model in a timely manner are actually creating space: lower supply chain costs, higher delivery reliability and less dependence on daily market movements.

Are you facing rising transportation costs or capacity pressures?

Our specialists are happy to analyze your current logistics setup and show where immediate savings and improvements can be made.
Contact Neele-Vat for an up-to-date market scan and a future-proof transport solution.