The latest figures from Spain’s Observatory for Payment Delays in Transport show that the average payment period for road transport services stood at 53 days in June, matching the record low recorded in April.
The result was seven days below Spain’s legal maximum of 60 days and continued a broader improvement in payment discipline across the country’s road freight sector.
The observatory’s authors attributed the decline largely to the penalty system introduced in October 2021, supported by inspections conducted by national and regional transport authorities.
Late payments remain widespread
Despite the record-low average, delayed settlements remain a significant problem. In June, 44% of customers paid road transport invoices after the statutory deadline.
Most late payments were made between 60 and 90 days after the service was provided. However, 9% of customers took more than 120 days to settle their bills.
Fenadismer, the Spanish transport federation, welcomed the overall improvement but warned that enforcement must continue.
The organisation said the reduction in payment periods had been achieved largely through inspections by state and regional transport authorities. It added that checks remained necessary to ensure payment rules were observed throughout the market.
Long-term figures show sharp improvement
June’s reading continued a trend recorded over several years. In February 2026, the average payment period fell to 54 days, which was then the lowest figure in the survey’s history.
The change is even more pronounced when compared with earlier years. Spanish hauliers waited an average of 83 days in 2021, while the figure fell to 59 days in 2025.
However, the proportion of overdue invoices has changed little in recent months. Around 43% of customers exceeded the legal limit in February, compared with 44% in June.
Fewer companies appear on sanctions register
The improvement is also reflected in the declining number of penalties published by Spain’s Ministry of Transport.
During the second half of 2025, the ministry disclosed 34 penalties imposed on 28 transport companies. The fines ranged from €701 to €19,605.
By comparison, 149 businesses were penalised in the first half of 2025, while the lists published in 2024 contained hundreds of companies and sanctions.
The penalties are imposed for breaching statutory payment terms rather than being calculated according to the value of unpaid invoices. Violations must be confirmed through administrative or court proceedings.
Spain’s enforcement system combines fines with a public register naming sanctioned businesses. Under the rules introduced in October 2021, breaches in the road transport sector can result in fines of up to €6,000. Repeat offenders can face penalties of as much as €30,000.
