The German road transport sector is currently experiencing considerable pressure, according to a recent market report for the second quarter of 2026. Key factors contributing to this strain include a persistent scarcity of available cargo space, an intensifying shortage of qualified truck drivers, and consistently high energy and personnel expenses. This situation persists even with a modest upturn in the broader economic landscape.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this implies continued challenges in securing road freight capacity within Germany. Rates are likely to remain elevated due to the tight market conditions and high operational costs faced by carriers. Forwarders may need to book further in advance and explore alternative routing or consolidation options to mitigate delays and manage costs for their clients. The driver shortage, in particular, suggests that last-minute bookings will be increasingly difficult to accommodate, potentially impacting supply chain flexibility.
The high utilization of existing transport capacity underscores the imbalance between demand and supply in the German market. This sustained pressure suggests that relief in terms of capacity and pricing is unlikely in the short term, requiring strategic planning from logistics providers.
