July 17, 2025 – In August, transit times for shipments to certain European destinations may slightly differ from what you’re used to. This is due to seasonal factors such as driving bans, limited availability at loading and unloading addresses, and reduced transport demand. Because many businesses temporarily close during this period, fewer bookings are made. As a result, it’s harder to combine shipments efficiently, and trucks may have to run without a full load – which is not only economically inefficient, but also undesirable from a sustainability perspective.
Driving bans and holiday traffic
During the summer, several European countries impose additional driving bans on freight transport, especially on busy routes and in tourist regions. These bans usually apply on peak travel days in August and are meant to ease road congestion for holiday traffic. Trucks are temporarily not allowed on the road during these hours.
It’s important to note that these restrictions may apply not only in the country of destination, but also in transit countries. This can significantly affect the transit time of your shipment – especially when passing through regions with stricter rules.
Of course, our planning team takes this into account. Still, we strongly recommend planning shipments early, so that deliveries can still be completed as agreed.
Reduced transport availability and adjusted planning
Many companies across Europe operate at reduced capacity or close temporarily in August. The same goes for our local partners. As a result, transport options are more limited than usual.
To avoid delays or failed deliveries, always coordinate with your recipient in advance to check whether adjusted opening hours apply.
If you’re shipping to or from Italy, keep in mind that most Italian companies are closed during weeks 33 and 34 (August 12–25) due to the summer holiday. This significantly limits delivery options, and the chance of a few days’ delay is much higher. We recommend planning shipments to and from Italy with extra lead time during this period.
Always check the availability of loading & unloading addresses
In August, many businesses across Europe adjust their operating hours – particularly in vacation areas and warmer regions. Some addresses temporarily close or shut down in the afternoon due to the heat. During those hours, it may not be possible to load or unload.
We advise you to always check whether the loading or unloading location is accessible before placing a booking. If anything changes, let us know. That way, we can avoid standstills or missed deliveries. Trouble reaching the loading or unloading address? Get in touch – we’re happy to help you find a suitable solution.
Let’s keep your deliveries on track together
We understand that maintaining delivery reliability during summer can be a challenge – especially with suppliers, customers, or colleagues on holiday. At CTS GROUP, you can count on clear communication, transparent planning, and a logistics approach that considers driving bans, reduced availability, and limited transport options.
Do you have shipments with a fixed delivery date or final unloading deadline? No problem. Just let us know in time, and we’ll plan a solution that works.
