Q2 2026 highlights
European road freight spot rates rose 2.3% in Q2 2026, driven by sustained capacity tightness in the West Mediterranean and growing e-commerce volumes. The diesel price index climbed 0.8%, partially offsetting operator margin recovery.
Capacity outlook
We expect capacity to remain tight through Q3 as summer produce season and pre-Christmas inventory builds overlap. Booking 2-3 weeks ahead is recommended for FTL lanes into Germany, France, and the UK.
Lane spotlights
- Rotterdam to Milan: rates up 4.1% on tight reefer capacity
- Hamburg to Madrid: stable, with strong LTL demand
- Antwerp to London: post-Brexit friction easing, transit +0.5 days