Logistics SMEs under massive pressure: Rising energy and diesel prices endanger competitiveness

Logistics SMEs under massive pressure: Rising energy and diesel prices endanger competitiveness

Medium-sized logistics companies are struggling with exploding costs, a shortage of skilled workers and pressure to transform

May 26, 2026 - The economic burden on small and medium-sized companies in the logistics industry continues to increase. After the consequences of the corona pandemic, disrupted supply chains, rising inflation and growing uncertainty on the markets, many companies are once again coming under considerable pressure. Logistics companies whose margins are tightly calculated and who at the same time have to invest in future technologies are particularly affected.

Several factors are currently aggravating the economic situation in the logistics industry. These include rising diesel prices, high energy and operating costs, increasing personnel costs and the ongoing shortage of skilled workers in the transport and logistics sector. At the same time, many companies have the impression that political and regulatory requirements are creating additional burdens without providing sufficient relief for medium-sized businesses.

Rising operating costs are putting a strain on the logistics industry

The development of diesel prices continues to cause considerable uncertainty in the logistics industry. Diesel remains the central energy source in freight transport, despite growing discussions about alternative drives. Even moderate price increases have a direct impact on transport costs, supply chains and the calculations of logistics companies and freight forwarders.

Added to this are rising energy costs for electricity, warehousing, vehicle maintenance, insurance and personnel. Many medium-sized logistics companies only have limited financial flexibility to cushion rising transport costs in the short term. This noticeably reduces planning security in the logistics industry.

Industry representatives are therefore warning of an increasing burden on the competitiveness of medium-sized logistics companies.

Uncertainty caused by political debates

Discussions about a tax-free relief bonus for employees have recently caused additional uncertainty in medium-sized businesses. Although the measure was not implemented, the debate highlighted the tense situation of many logistics companies.

Medium-sized employers in particular asked questions about the feasibility of financing additional benefits, about sufficient relief on the company side and about the compatibility of employee loyalty and economic stability. The discussion made it clear the tension that many companies are currently facing: between social responsibility towards employees, rising costs and growing competitive pressure.

EU measures: Are the current plans sufficient to provide relief?

With programs like AccelerateEU, the European Union is planning economic stabilization measures for the logistics industry, including more flexible energy taxes and state aid.

However, many logistics companies doubt whether these measures will work quickly enough or reduce the bureaucratic effort sufficiently. Small and medium-sized logistics companies in particular continue to be confronted with complex funding structures.

At the same time, significant investments are being made. These include alternative drive systems, digitalization, energy efficiency and modernized vehicle fleets. This transformation is considered necessary, but is becoming increasingly difficult due to rising transport costs and high energy costs.

Medium-sized businesses demand realistic solutions for the transport and logistics industry

The demand for more practice-oriented measures therefore continues to grow within the industry. Many companies, including medium-sized ones Logistics company Stenkamp Logistik, particularly want a noticeable reduction in diesel and energy taxes, targeted relief programs for small and medium-sized companies and a consistent reduction in bureaucratic hurdles.

In addition, faster approval and funding procedures as well as long-term investment aid for digitalization and climate-friendly technologies are required. Many entrepreneurs emphasize that political decisions in the future must be more closely aligned with the economic reality of medium-sized companies.

Future of logistics: Making economic stability and transformation possible together

The logistics industry is considered a central pillar of the German and European economy. At the same time, like no other sector, it is under high pressure to transform. Digitalization, sustainability, decarbonization and securing skilled workers require high investments, while many companies are struggling with rising costs and economic uncertainty.

Industry experts therefore see the danger that small and medium-sized companies in particular will increasingly reach their limits. The decisive factor will be whether political measures respond more closely to the challenges of small and medium-sized businesses and combine economic stability with sustainable transformation.

Without an efficient medium-sized company, the stability of the entire supply chain in Europe will be difficult to maintain in the long term.

Stenkamp Logistik manages a total of around 55,000 m² of storage space including dry and cold storage at three locations in Borken-Burlo, Duisburg and Voerde. Special focus: Transport and warehouse management for trade and e-commerce logistics - including organic and IFS-certified cold storage - as well as the transport of temperature-controlled food in Germany, North Rhine-Westphalia and the Netherlands.

Company contact
Stenkamp Logistics
Thorsten Reßmann
Fürst-zu-Salm-Salm-Straße 25
46325 Bark Burlo
02862 / 91 09-14
02862/91 09-814

https://www.stenkamp.net

Press contact
Stenkamp Logistics
Sabrina Knebelkamp
Fürst-zu-Salm-Salm-Straße 25
46325 Bark Burlo
0176 / 222 58 120

https://www.stenkamp.net

Image source: ©Stenkamp