Transport costs for finished vehicles in Europe have reached a new peak. According to the latest evaluation by the Association of European Vehicle Logistics (ECG) and PwC Austria, the European Finished Vehicle Logistics (FVL) Cost Index for the second quarter of 2025 stands at 152.8 points – representing a 52.8% increase since January 2019.
Cost drivers across road, rail and terminals
An examination of individual logistics segments shows that in three out of four areas, prices have risen again compared with the fourth quarter of 2024.
- Road transport: The Road Cost Index stands at 128.8 points, up 0.5 points on the previous quarter. According to ECG, the main factors are higher personnel costs and increased toll charges.
- Rail transport: The Rail Cost Index rose by 2.1 points to 132.7, driven by higher infrastructure costs, rising fees and wage increases in several European countries.
- Logistics terminals (compounds): The index for compounds increased by 1.8 points to 126.3, mainly due to growing labour and infrastructure costs, according to the study.
Sea transport bucks the trend
Ironically, sea transport – often considered the most expensive mode – is the only segment to record a decline. The Sea Cost Index fell by 7.1 points to 208.8. According to PwC, the drop is primarily due to lower time charter rates and reduced costs for building new Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) vessels.
Industry association warns of further cost rises
“Cost developments in finished vehicle logistics are threatening to get out of control,” warns the ECG.
No further relief appears in sight. The index, which is updated twice a year, is designed to help companies gain greater transparency over actual cost developments and take appropriate countermeasures.
Impact across the supply chain
Rising costs affect not only logistics providers but also vehicle manufacturers and trading partners.
“If logistics costs continue to develop in this way, it will also have a price impact on the end-customer market in the medium term,” an industry insider told the ECG.
