Market stabilisation, new tolls and ETS expansion is approaching and DSV’s electric truck fleet now exceeds 400 vehicles.

In this update…

Every quarter, we bring you the essential trends and shifts shaping road transport across Europe. 

In this update, you’ll find fresh insights on economic developments, transport capacity, and fuel prices, plus a look at sector bankruptcies, DSV’s evolving electric fleet, and upcoming changes to road tolls and emissions trading. Stay informed and get ahead with the trends that matter most for your business.

General economic development: Euro area

• Euro area consumer price inflation eased to 2.1% in October 2025, in line with market expectations and down from 2.2% in September, edging closer to the ECB’s 2% target, according to preliminary data.
• Food, alcohol, and tobacco prices rose more slowly at 2.5%, versus 3.0% the previous month, led by both processed (2.4% vs 2.6%) and unprocessed food (3.2% vs 4.7%).
• Non-energy industrial goods inflation eased to 0.6% from 0.8%, while energy costs fell more sharply at -1.0% versus -0.4%.
• In contrast, services inflation accelerated for a second straight month to 3.4%, the highest since April, while core inflation, excluding energy, food, alcohol, and tobacco, remained stable at 2.4%, slightly above forecasts of 2.3%.

^{Source: Eurostat}

Transport capacity and fuel prices

^{Source: Transporeon Market Monitor (Subscription required), EC Oil Bulletin}

Bankruptcies in the European transport sector

Key factors driving insolvencies

• Economic slowdown across Europe and reduced manufacturing activity have led to lower freight volumes and disrupted typical seasonal recovery trends.
• Operating expenses, including truck maintenance and fuel, continue to rise, impacting profitability.
• Low profit margins and aging vehicle fleets limit investment capacity for many hauliers.
• Increasing requirements for environmental compliance and taxation are complicating long-term planning and investment.
• Persistent driver shortages and rising wages across the EU are constraining operational capacity.

Road toll developments across Europe and ETS exspansion

Bulgaria

Apr/Sep 2025:Two-step toll increase in 2025 (+10% in April, +10% in September). Rates now based on weight and emission class, up to 0.42 BGN/km for large trucks.
_{More info: bgtoll.bg}

Austria

Exp. Jan 2026 :The Austrian ministry proposes an increase of 7.7 % in tolls for 2026, based on the vehicle category. No official confirmation yet, and 2026 rates are not published.
_{More info: trans.info}

The Netherlands

Jul 2026: Kilometre-based toll for heavy goods vehicles starts 1 July 2026. Applies to highways and selected regional roads, with rates varying by emission class. Eurovignette ends 30 June 2026.
_{More info: trucktol.nl}

_{Note: Road taxes or similar imposed by governments impacts the total transportation cost, and are beyond the control of DSV.  Please be advised inflationary road toll increases are expected across several European countries as of January 1st, 2026. At this stage, specific details have not yet been confirmed.}

One of Europe’s largest heavy-duty electric fleet

DSV operates one of the largest fleet of heavy-duty battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in Europe, with more than 400 trucks already in service across multiple countries and a target of 2,000 by 2030.

Decarbonise anywhere

DSV’s Indirect Reduction solution enables immediate climate action, in regions with limited or no access to sustainable fuels or BEV infrastructure. Built on the Book & Claim model, it allows for the purchase of audited CO₂ reductions generated within DSV’s own road operations, independent of physical location.

• Book & Claim model: CO₂ reductions from DSV’s own road operations.
• Global availability: Take action regardless of location.
• Certified & audited:Fully traceable for credible reporting.
• No operational changes needed: Reductions without disrupting transport setup.
• Supports your sustainability goals: Start reducing emissions today.

_{Read more about DSV’s Indirect Reductions}