Polish Transport Companies Grapple with Long Payment Delays

Data for the second quarter of 2026 shows transport and logistics firms in Poland waiting an average of 21.9 days between invoicing and payment, the longest among service sectors. In reality many carriers endure actual delays of two to three months, forcing them to finance operations from their own cash flow. The Malcom Finance Payment Index for Q1 2026 recorded a combined invoice term and delay of 63 days for Polish transport firms, with average late payments rising from 9 to 20 days.

Industry observers note that the disparity harms liquidity, as carriers must cover fuel, driver wages, leasing and tolls before receiving reimbursement. Rafał Kozielski, commercial director of Finea, said the situation creates a "real hole in finances between completing a haul and cash arriving in the account." Marcin Wawrzkiewicz, national director of Malcom Finance Poland, added that shorter invoice terms do not help when contractors pay late. The report also highlighted that 1,234 Polish road transport companies vanished in Q1 2026, a trend that could reach 5,000 if current rates continue, even as new heavy‑truck registrations rose 26% year‑on‑year.