TSL industry faces rising fuel costs and liquidity pressures

The transport, shipping, and logistics (TSL) sector is facing significant financial pressure due to rising operational costs and liquidity challenges. According to the 2026 TSL Industry Financial Index by Transcash.eu, fuel costs have become the most significant rising expense, cited by 93% of carriers and nearly 63% of freight forwarders. This surge is attributed to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz resulting from the US-Iran conflict.

These rising costs have led to a decline in liquidity, affecting over half of surveyed carriers. This trend is mirrored in broader European data from Eurostat, which reported an 11.4% increase in insolvencies within the transport and warehousing sector during the second quarter of 2026.

In Poland, the industry is entering a period of high turnover but also high risk. Data from Malcom Finance indicates that Polish carriers face an average payment wait time of 63 days, with 20 days being late relative to agreed terms. While demand is expected to rise in the fourth quarter, many firms struggle to finance immediate costs such as fuel, wages, and vehicle leasing. Only 44% of TSL companies report having enough funds to operate for more than three months.