Despite the continuous efforts of logistics companies to optimize transport operations, a structural issue persists in Europe regarding the inefficient management of cargo capacity. In 2023 (Eurostat data), more than three-quarters (80.5%) of EU road freight transport was performed by vehicles with a load capacity of 20.6 tons or more. The EU average load for total transport was 14,3 tonnes in 2023. Therefore, considering only the majority of these vehicles, the load utilization percentage is only 69%, highlighting a clear inefficiency in the use of available resources.
This inefficiency is not random, but rather a result of well-defined dynamics, often linked to the operational pressure faced by transport companies. In particular, three main causes contribute to this waste of cargo capacity.
The three main causes of wasted loading capacity
In Less Than Truck Load (LTL) transport and groupage operations, delivery deadlines require vehicles to depart regardless of their load utilization. This means trucks leave warehouses even if they are not fully loaded, leading to inefficient use of available capacity. The strict delivery windows imposed by customers create a constraint that prevents companies from waiting for additional shipments to optimize the use of both space and weight capacity.
Another significant issue is the high number of kilometers driven without cargo between unloading and the next loading point. Once a delivery is completed, vehicles often have to travel considerable distances before finding a new available load. This problem is particularly pronounced on specific routes and could be partially mitigated by more efficient planning and better use of digital platforms for sharing cargo availability.
The data (Eurostat) speaks for itself: at the EU level, approximately one-fifth of total road freight vehicle kilometers are carried out by empty vehicles (21.8%). This percentage rises even higher for national transport, where nearly a quarter of the total distance traveled (25.9%) is done with no load, while for international transport, the figure drops to 13.1%.
A further limitation is the partial optimization of cargo, which almost always occurs in only one dimension: either weight or volume. A vehicle may be fully loaded in terms of weight while still having unused space, or it may be completely filled in terms of volume but carry a load well below the maximum weight capacity. This discrepancy represents a wasted opportunity that could be better managed through more effective integration of loads from multiple operators.
Co-operation between transport companies to overcome inefficiencies
One of the most promising solutions to address these inefficiencies is horizontal cooperation among transport operators. While collaboration between shippers is often difficult to implement due to conflicting interests, cooperation between carriers is more realistic and is already taking place in many geographic areas. This type of collaboration allows operators to share cargo capacity, optimize routes, and reduce empty kilometers, improving both economic efficiency and environmental sustainability.
In our specific case, this cooperative approach is already a reality in the LTL and groupage sector, where sharing resources among multiple operators helps increase vehicle utilization rates and reduce unnecessary trips. Gruber Logistics’ strong networking capabilities at both the European and international levels play a crucial role in fostering these synergies, creating a more integrated and efficient logistics ecosystem.
Improving cargo capacity management in Europe requires a combination of digital innovation, enhanced planning, and, above all, increased collaboration among industry players. Only through a coordinated approach will it be possible to cut down on empty kilometers, reduce operational expenses, and make freight transport more sustainable in the long term.
