Italy’s transport and logistics industry continues to play a vital role in the national economy, yet new data suggest that the sector is entering a period of increasing operational pressure. According to the second 2026 report of the Freight Insights Observatory, the market has reached a value of €94.3 billion, reflecting moderate growth compared to previous years. However, rising costs, congested infrastructure, weakening intermodal transport, and disruptions in global supply chains are creating significant challenges for freight operators.
The report was prepared by the National Center for Sustainable Mobility (MOST) in cooperation with the CSELI Foundation, whose members include Aiscat, Confcommercio, Conftrasporto, and Ferrovie dello Stato. The findings were presented at the Italian Chamber of Deputies during a meeting attended by industry representatives and policymakers.
Freight Transport Continues to Grow, but Profitability Is Under Pressure
While the sector expanded to €94.3 billion, representing growth of approximately 1.9% compared with 2024, analysts emphasize that the quality of growth is becoming a greater concern than the volume itself.
Operational expenses have increased faster than freight volumes, reducing margins across the logistics chain. Energy costs remain one of the most significant burdens for transport operators.
According to the report:
- Automotive diesel prices are nearly 30% higher than in 2019;
- Electricity prices have increased by more than 25% over the same period;
- Transport operating costs continue to rise across Europe.
As a result, many logistics companies face growing pressure to maintain profitability while preserving service quality and competitiveness.
Road Infrastructure Congestion Becomes a Major Concern
One of the most alarming trends identified by the Observatory is the increasing saturation of Italy’s road network.
Growing freight volumes combined with limited infrastructure capacity have led to heavier congestion along major logistics corridors. The report warns that this situation directly affects supply chain efficiency, increases transit times, and raises operating costs for transport companies.
Industry experts note that congestion is becoming one of the main obstacles to improving freight productivity and maintaining reliable delivery schedules.
Rail Freight Continues to Lose Ground
At the same time, Italy’s rail freight sector remains under pressure.
The report indicates that rail freight activity continued to decline, with rail freight kilometers falling by approximately 4% by 2025. This trend highlights the ongoing difficulties facing intermodal transport and raises concerns about the effectiveness of policies designed to shift cargo from roads to rail.
Analysts argue that stronger incentives and infrastructure investments will be required to reverse the decline and support a more balanced and sustainable transport system.
Global Shipping Routes Are Becoming Less Predictable
Beyond domestic challenges, Italian logistics operators must also adapt to disruptions in global maritime trade.
The report highlights that cargo flows between Asia and Europe increasingly bypassed the Suez Canal during 2024–2025, shifting toward routes around the Cape of Good Hope. As a result, transit times between Far Eastern ports and the Mediterranean increased by approximately two additional weeks.
Longer shipping routes have contributed to higher transportation costs, increased inventory requirements, and greater uncertainty throughout international supply chains.
Italian Ports Retain Strategic Importance
Despite these challenges, Italy remains one of Europe’s leading maritime logistics hubs.
The country ranks as the third-largest freight handling market in Europe, accounting for nearly 15% of all European maritime freight traffic.
However, the report identifies several emerging concerns:
- Ro-Ro cargo volumes declined in 2025 compared with 2024;
- Early 2026 showed a further slowdown in maritime freight activity;
- Container throughput weakened during the first quarter of 2026;
- Several ports are facing growing capacity pressures and operational bottlenecks.
These developments underline the need for continued modernization and investment across Italy’s port infrastructure.
Digitalization Could Deliver €18 Billion in Savings
One of the most optimistic conclusions of the report concerns digital transformation.
According to Vittorio Marzano, Professor at the University of Naples Federico II, digitalization represents one of the most effective tools for improving efficiency throughout the logistics chain.
The report estimates that wider adoption of digital technologies could generate up to €18 billion in savings, while simultaneously reducing administrative burdens, operational costs, and cargo processing times.
Digital platforms, real-time freight tracking, automated documentation, and integrated supply chain management systems are expected to play a central role in future competitiveness.
Industry Calls for Immediate Investment
Industry representatives argue that infrastructure upgrades and policy reforms are becoming increasingly urgent.
Pasquale Russo, President of Conftrasporto and Vice President of Confcommercio, stated:
“The report clearly shows that our country is facing a deadlock. Action is needed to revise the ETS system, which is harming maritime transport, and to provide immediate support for the development of road-rail intermodal transport. Without adequate investment across the network, maintaining current traffic volumes could become increasingly difficult, while road transport will continue to face rising costs and infrastructure inefficiencies.”
Gianmarco Montanari, Director at MOST, added:
“The 2026 report clearly highlights that, despite the growth of the logistics sector, its vulnerabilities require immediate attention. Concrete measures are needed to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the logistics network. Only coordinated action and targeted investments will allow us to address current challenges and secure a stable and competitive future.”
Member of Parliament Vincenzo Amich also emphasized the strategic importance of the sector:
“Transport and logistics represent a strategic asset for the country. The findings presented today provide valuable support for policy discussions and help strengthen institutional dialogue. Infrastructure and transport are competitive advantages not only for the sector itself but also for businesses, citizens, and the national economy.”
Logistics Sector at a Turning Point
The latest Freight Insights Observatory report paints a picture of an industry that remains economically significant but is increasingly exposed to structural pressures. Rising energy costs, infrastructure congestion, declining rail freight activity, and longer international shipping routes are testing the resilience of Italy’s logistics system.
At the same time, the report identifies digitalization, intermodal development, and targeted infrastructure investment as key opportunities to strengthen competitiveness and support long-term growth. For Italy’s freight transport sector, the coming years may determine whether the industry can successfully adapt to a rapidly changing logistics environment while maintaining its central role in European trade and supply chains.
Read also: The Road of the Future: How Italy Is Implementing Intelligent Transport Infrastructure
