Road transport rates across Europe fell by nine per cent between the fourth quarter of 2016 and the first quarter of 2017, according to the Transport Market Monitor produced by Transporeon and Capgemini.
The price index, which now stands at 86.0 is also down six per cent compared to the same quarter last year.
The capacity index increase to a 112.8 (up two per cent) in the first quarter. Compared to Q 1 2016, the capacity index is 1. 8 per cent higher.
Fuel prices have also been increasing. The diesel index displayed growth for the fourth quarter in a row, now to an index of 82.8. This index is ten per cent higher than the fourth quarter of 2016.
The European Trade Flow Index is expected to drop by 1.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2017, but remains on a high level compared to the previous years.