Declining road transport rates and increasing demand for waste transportation

The start of 2025 is creating mixed feelings for transport companies. On the one hand, we are seeing freight rates falling, while on the other, we are seeing increasing demand for specialised services such as waste transport. Faced with these opposing trends, hauliers are faced with a decision: continue with business as usual or adapt to the new realities of the market?

Falling freight rates in Europe: Challenges for the transport industry

In the first quarter of 2025, the European road transport market saw a noticeable drop in freight rates. According to IRU x Ti x Upply report, contract rates fell by 2.3 points from the previous quarter and spot rates fell by 3.8 points. The reason for this trend is weakening consumer demand, which increased by only 0.6% quarter-on-quarter. In addition, 74% of consumers say they are cutting back on spending, opting for cheaper alternatives.

Increased operating costs, such as fuel prices, and a driver shortage (estimated at 426,000 vacancies across Europe) are putting additional strain on hauliers.

Driver shortage: Causes and implications for the market

Driver shortage in Europe also affects the waste transport sector. Lack of sufficient staff results in a reduction in available capacity, which can lead to delays in waste collection and treatment. Increased waste transport costs, resulting from a reduced supply of haulage services, can also reduce environmental performance. Companies struggling with rising costs may opt for less costly but less sustainable ways of managing waste.

Falling freight rates may also affect drivers' career decisions. Lower wages, coupled with difficult working conditions and increasing regulatory requirements, may prompt many to leave the profession. This in turn exacerbates the driver shortage problem, creating a vicious circle that is difficult to break.

Growing demand for waste transport = opportunity for the industry

In contrast to the general trend of falling rates, the waste transport sector is experiencing an increase in demand. Legislative changes in the European Union, such as stricter recycling and waste management regulations, are increasing the need for specialised transport services. In addition, the increasing environmental awareness of the public and companies is contributing to an increase in the amount of waste sent for recycling. This in turn generates a greater demand for hauliers duly authorised and waste transport infrastructure.

This trend is particularly evident in countries such as Sweden, where a developed waste treatment system cannot do without external support. For transport companies, this means a real opportunity to enter a stable, developed market. The high level of organisation and the constant demand for waste means that transports to Sweden can be regular and profitable. And this is just one of many possible destinations.

Waste transport permits are an investment in the future

For hauliers looking to take advantage of the growing demand for waste transport, obtaining the appropriate permits is key. The process can be complicated, but investing in gaining the required licences opens up new business opportunities and allows diversification of services.

Working with companies specialising in waste transport consultancy, such as Ecologistics24, can make the process of obtaining permits much easier and ensure compliance with current legislation.

Transformation of the transport market

The drop in freight rates in the first quarter of 2025 is challenging the transport industry. However, the growing demand for waste transport opens up new opportunities for hauliers ready to adapt to changing market conditions. Investing in obtaining waste transport permits and developing services in this sector can be a strategic step towards stability and growth in the face of current economic challenges.