What is the reason for the growth of rates Russia – EU – Russia?

As a rule, every year, from June to December, one can observe an increase in cargo traffic by at least 20%. This is due both to the pre-holiday hype and the completion of numerous supply contracts, which, as a rule, end at this time. Under the terms of most of them, it is necessary to deliver a certain amount of goods on time. Naturally, this affects the growth of prices for transport services. Traditionally, before the New Year holidays, prices for transport logistics begin to rise.
At the same time, experts note that last year the upward trend appeared earlier than usual and today looks much more stable. This applies to both domestic and international road transport, including the route Russia – Europe. In October alone, prices in this direction increased by an average of 10 to 15%. Tariffs for the delivery of goods requiring temperature control, as well as for the transportation of high-risk goods, increased the most. In general, carriers note an increase in rates by 10-35%, depending on the route and type of cargo.
What affects the increase in shipping costs
A combination of various factors led to an increase in the cost of transporting goods along the route Europe – Russia. Some of them influenced the decrease in the intensity of the use of transport, and others, the increase in freight traffic. Connecting together, they determined their negative impact on the state of the market. Among these reasons are:
Rising fuel prices both in Russia, Belarus and in Europe.
An increase of 18% or more in the cost of new cars, as well as spare parts and consumables for them, has reduced the number of used vehicles on the market.
A decrease in the number of professional drivers in the labor market due to their flow to European companies with higher salaries, which caused a forced increase in the salaries of the remaining workers.
COVID restrictions, vaccination requirements have also reduced the number of drivers who can fully work on European routes.
Long-term idleness of checkpoints in the autumn at the Polish-Belarusian and Polish-Lithuanian border crossings, which provoked the formation of huge queues on both sides of the border.
Difficult situation with the issuance and execution of transit permits.
An increase in demand in the pre-holiday period, as well as additional cargo traffic, which is caused by the expectations of new “waves” of COVID-19.
It is not easy to predict the future state of prices in the European direction of road transport, but it is hardly worth waiting for an improvement in the situation.