December 1, 2025 – The coziest time of the year has arrived again! However, due to the busy season and festivities, the delivery times for shipments to certain European destinations may differ from what you usually expect from us. This can be caused, for example, by driving restrictions, adjusted opening hours at pickup and delivery locations, and of course, because many people are not working during the holidays.
Driving Restrictions and Winter Traffic
At the end of the year, several European countries impose additional driving restrictions for freight traffic. These restrictions mainly apply during holidays and vacation periods, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and accidents. Trucks are temporarily prohibited from using certain roads during these times. It’s important to note that these restrictions apply not only in the destination country but also in transit countries. This can affect the transit times of shipments, especially to areas with the strictest limitations. Of course, we try to account for this as much as possible in our planning, but it’s still wise to plan ahead to ensure deliveries proceed as scheduled.
Reduced Transport Options
In addition to driving restrictions and holidays, weather conditions play a role. Icy roads and snowfall can impact shipment transit times, particularly in mountainous regions or areas prone to severe winter weather. Moreover, fewer shipments are booked during this period, which can result in daily departures being less fully loaded. To maintain efficient transport while keeping emissions and costs low, we adjust our planning accordingly, meaning some routes may operate less frequently.
Adjusted Opening Hours at Pickup and Delivery Locations
Many companies have modified opening hours toward the end of the year. This means that pickup and delivery locations may not be available all day or may even be temporarily closed. When planning shipments, always coordinate with the recipient to confirm any adjusted hours. This helps prevent delays or situations where a shipment cannot be unloaded.
Holiday Service Schedule Changes
Although the year-end service schedule is influenced by more than just the December festivities, the holidays have the greatest impact. In the days around Christmas and New Year, fewer trips are operated in many countries, and some destinations may be temporarily inaccessible. Additionally, many drivers take vacation to spend the final weeks of the year with family, reducing market capacity. Transshipment locations and depots often operate with adjusted schedules as well, which can lead to longer transit times.
Working Together to Keep Your Shipment on Track
When planning shipments during the winter months, it’s important to consider all factors: from driving restrictions and holidays to capacity and opening hours. Check in advance whether the recipient is reachable, provide any adjusted opening times when booking, and always include a contact person with a mobile number for both pickup and delivery locations. The better the preparation, the smoother the transport—even during the busiest months of the year.
