The French road transport sector is currently under considerable strain, primarily due to a substantial increase in fuel expenses. Data indicates that the price index for professional diesel escalated by 54% within a single year, from September 2025 to September 2026. This sharp rise in fuel costs has directly contributed to a 13.2% increase in the overall operating expenses for long-distance trucking operations.
This situation is further exacerbated by a stagnant economic environment and a notable downturn in the sale of new trucks, signaling broader challenges within the industry. For freight forwarders and operations managers, these developments translate into higher operational costs for road freight services originating from or transiting through France. Shippers can anticipate potential increases in road freight rates as carriers attempt to offset their elevated fuel and operational expenditures. Capacity might also be indirectly affected if economic pressures lead to fleet reductions or delayed vehicle replacements.
