ROAD TRANSPORT: BETWEEN CRISIS AND TRANSFORMATION, WHAT SOLUTIONS FOR 2025?

The road haulage sector is going through a difficult period, marked by a decline in activity, increased economic pressure and falling investment. However, there are a number of ways in which the sector can adapt to new market demands. Between regulatory changes, digitalization and the energy transition, let’s take stock of the situation and outlook.

A SECTOR IN PERSISTENT CRISIS

Road freight transport (RFT) is going through a difficult period, and has been in constant decline since mid-2022. Nearly 50% of business managers report a drop in activity, with no improvement forecast for 2025. Investment is at an all-time low, limited mainly to fleet renewal. And a climate of discontent is making itself felt: 63% of managers are dissatisfied with the current situation.

One of the main reasons for this is strong economic pressure. In 2024, operating costs rose by 5.5%, driven by wage increases (+7.5%), material costs (+3.5%) and tolls (+3%). This inflation has a direct impact on company profitability, all the more so as transport rates remain stagnant, with low margins for hauliers.

At the same time, bankruptcies in the RFT sector are on the rise: between April and September 2024, 1,112 companies in the sector went out of business. This uncertain economic climate weighs heavily on the viability of many businesses, especially as almost 48.8% of hauliers are experiencing recruitment difficulties, although this figure has fallen slightly on the previous year.

EVER STRICTER REGULATIONS

Ecological obligations are being stepped up with the introduction of low-emission zones and the obligation, from 2025, to report CO₂ emissions from transport. The European Union has set an ambitious target: to reduce CO₂ emissions from heavy goods vehicles by 30% by 2030 (compared with 2019). These measures are driving hauliers to invest in greener vehicles and opt for alternative fuels such as HVO or B100. However, these investments remain difficult to make in an already economically strained environment.

SOLUTIONS FOR THE FUTURE: DIGITALIZATION AND MULTIMODALITY

Innovative solutions are emerging to meet these challenges. Artificial intelligence and TMS management software can optimize routes, fill rates and vehicle maintenance. This digitalization can reduce operating costs, with productivity gains of up to 10-15% in some cases, according to recent studies.

Multimodal transport, combining land, rail, river and sea modes, is emerging as a key solution for reducing both costs and carbon footprints. For example, the combined use of rail and road can reduce CO₂ emissions by 15-20% compared with road-only transport.

As a key player in multimodal transport, Balguerie Group supports you in managing your logistics flows. We offer tailor-made solutions to optimize your costs and meet growing environmental requirements. Consult us to help you adapt to tomorrow’s challenges and boost the competitiveness of your operations.

Sources & figures: FNTR, Comité National Routier, INSEE, Code des Transports, Euro Transport, Ministère des Transports