European road haulage rates increased sharply in the second quarter of 2026 as operators sought to pass rising fuel and operating costs on to customers.

The latest IRU/Upply/Transport Intelligence European Road Freight Rate Benchmark shows the contract rate index reaching 148 points, up 7.9 points quarter-on-quarter and 15.2 points year-on-year. Spot rates also climbed strongly to 146.8 points.

Fuel has been a major driver. EU diesel averaged around €1.94 per litre during Q2, approximately 27 per cent higher year-on-year, while overall long-haul operating costs have also risen significantly.

However, higher haulage rates shouldn’t be mistaken for booming demand. Road freight volumes between major EU economies remained below last year’s levels, suggesting operators are charging more primarily to recover increased costs rather than benefiting from substantially greater freight activity.

The continuing shortage of professional drivers is adding further pressure through higher wages and restricted capacity.

For Irish hauliers, the European trend underlines the importance of fuel surcharges and index-linked contracts. With diesel, wages, insurance, tyres, maintenance and finance all putting pressure on margins, fixed transport rates can quickly become uneconomic.

The message from the European market is clear: haulage rates may be rising, but that doesn’t necessarily mean hauliers are making more money.