A shortage of trucks, drivers, documentation problems, border traffic jams and a new round of tightened quarantine measures have led to a sharp rise in the price of road transport between Russia and Europe, kommersant newspaper reported on November 2. Analysts also point to fuel, repair costs, tolls, tariff increases and a host of other factors driving up the price of trucking.

Road transport prices between Russia and Europe rose significantly in October, the report said. "Since the end of September, the tariffs have gone up all the way, generally by 15 to 20 percent," said Yevgeny Diatilov, director of Russian FM Logistics. Alexander Shlinchuk, vice president of Tresco Motor Transport, points out that depending on the type of cargo and the direction of transportation (import and export), the tax rate has increased by 35% for some cargo!

The rise in truckload prices from Germany began in October. "Two weeks ago, the average one-way cost of a truck from Germany was 2,400 to 2,600 euros. Now it's at least 3,000 euros," analyst Nicolas Gradon said. Natalia Pavlovitskaya, head of AsstrA transport Germany, said: "Seasonal factors include fewer permits, an increase in freight demand at the end of the year, and vaccination measures caused by the recent new round of COVID-19."

In October, belarus's borders with Poland and Lithuania were often clogged with traffic jams, the report said. Industry insiders also talk about the lack of cars and drivers. Mr Gradon points out that both the Russian and European markets are facing shortages of lorry drivers: some are leaving due to old age, some are switching to ecommerce, and some are temporarily off duty due to novel coronavirus infections.

The lack of trucks also has an impact, Adds Mr Diatilov. Truck prices rose more than 18 percent. Also, fuel costs have increased. "From April to September, diesel prices rose 7.9 percent in Germany, 7.7 percent in Poland, 15.2 percent in Belarus and 8.2 percent in Russia," pavlovskaya said. Tires, oil and other consumables are getting more expensive."