Poland has confirmed its position as the undisputed leader in road freight transport in the European Union. fresh Eurostat figures leave no illusions – Polish transport companies achieved a historical consequence in 2023, carrying goods of a full mass corresponding to Over 377,8 billion tonne-kilometres. This is not only the highest consequence in the Community as a whole, but besides evidence of a increasing advantage over the largest economies of the continent, specified as Germany and Spain.
An increase of 2.5% compared to the erstwhile year shows that Polish expansion does not slow down. presently Polish companies are liable for almost 1 5th (20%) of the full EU market road transport. This dominance is the consequence of many years of investment, strategical approach and extraordinary competitiveness, which makes Polish trucks a key component of European supply chains. For many Western companies, cooperation with the Polish carrier is present a warrant of reliability and cost optimization.
Unbelievable numbers. Yes Poland has become a transport power
The scale of Polish success is best seen in numbers that impress analysts throughout Europe. The score of 377,8 billion tonne-kilometres in 2023 is an absolute record. Moreover, preliminary data for 2024, indicating 368 billion tonne-kilometres, confirm the maintenance of this highly strong position. This means that 1 in 5 goods transported by truck on the roads of the European Union is transported by a company from Poland.
Behind this gigantic logistics effort stands a powerful army of entrepreneurs. In Poland he actively operates around 125 000 transport companies. From above them 38 000 have a Community licence, authorising global operations throughout the EU. It is these companies that are the backbone of expansion, serving not only cross-border routes, but besides carrying out intra-EU transports (cabotage), which further strengthens their marketplace position.
The dynamic improvement of the industry, estimated at about 10% per year, is driven by continuous investments in the modern fleet, digitization of logistics processes and training of qualified drivers. This comprehensive approach allows Polish companies to anticipate competition.
The secret of Polish success. What's behind the road domination?
How can Poland dominate the marketplace erstwhile dominated by Germany and France in specified a short time? The key to success is simply a unique combination Price competitiveness with advanced quality services. Polish carriers have been offering lower operating costs for years, allowing them to present more attractive offers to western counterparties. At the same time, they do not save on quality.
Many companies invest in state-of-the-art tractor saddles that meet stringent exhaust emanation standards, advanced telematics systems for fleet management (GPS, driver time monitoring) and eco-friendly solutions. This builds the image of Poland as reliable and modern business partner. Timeliness of transportation and flexibility in the operation became a showcase of Polish companies, attracting the largest European brands from the automotive industry, FMCG or e-commerce.
It is besides crucial to have access to well developed road infrastructure in Poland and to have a strategical geographical location at the intersection of key transport routes East-West and North-South.
Transport is simply a pillar of the economy. Its meaning goes beyond the roads
The dominance of road transport is not only a reason for pride, but above all a powerful motor for the full Polish economy. The transport, forwarding and logistics sector (TSL) is straight liable for approximately 6% of Polish Gross home Product (GDP). However, its real impact is much greater as it is simply a circulation for another key industries and trade.
Strength 85% of all Polish exports is carried out via road transport. Without efficient trucks, Polish factories could not send their goods to abroad markets, which would hamper the economical improvement of the country. Transport companies belong to the largest exporters of services in Poland, generating billions of PLN in gross to the state budget for taxes and contributions.
The sector besides creates hundreds of thousands of jobs – not only for drivers, but besides for freight forwarders, logistics, mechanics and administrative staff. stableness and improvement of the transport manufacture are so crucial to the stableness of the full labour marketplace in Poland.
New logistics map of Europe with Poland in the centre
The scale of activities of Polish transport companies permanently changes the logistics map of Europe. Poland ceased to be only a transit country and became central logistics hub of the continent. Experts say directly: it is in Poland that the most crucial flows of goods cross today, and Polish companies set standards for the full industry.
This position gives Poland a immense strategical advantage. The ability to effectively manage supply chains across the EU makes our country a key player in the European economical Agreement. In a time of global tensions and efforts to shorten supply chains (nearshoring), Poland's function as a reliable logistics centre will only grow. This is the foundation on which Poland can build its economical strength for decades to come.
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Poland dominated transport in the EU. evidence score, Germany was far behind