Labour shortages strain transport industry
The latest Elvis market report highlights the ongoing stagnation in the German economy, attributed to global uncertainties and unclear economic policies. While seasonal activities in the truck transport market show slight increases, they remain below the previous year's levels due to reduced capacities and a persistent shortage of skilled labour, exacerbating the situation as personnel costs rise. Transparent metrics are becoming increasingly essential for transport companies to adapt efficiently to market changes and utilise automation technologies like AI.
In the truck transport sector, expectations for recovery are dim as October 2025 performance remained high but 1.1% below last year's figure. The transport barometer indicated a decline in freight-to-space ratios, reflecting weak market conditions, and many customers report early operational closures ahead of year-end. Despite stable cost levels for road transport and a recent dip in diesel prices, personnel costs continue to rise significantly. The ongoing shortage of truck drivers poses a major challenge for the industry, solidifying the need for transparent operational metrics to enhance responsiveness in uncertain market conditions.