Transport in crisis - how modern telematics helps companies survive

Rates are falling, orders are dwindling, and the pressure on carriers is mounting. The European transport industry is facing yet another crisis that affects not only international giants but, above all, small and medium-sized companies. In the face of these challenges, many businesses are looking for ways to optimise costs and improve profitability. One of the key tools that can help survive this demanding period is modern fleet telematics.

Transport in crisis – the data speaks for itself

The latest report by Upply and Transport Intelligence indicates that the second quarter of 2025 brought further signs of a deteriorating situation in European transport. Contract rates showed a marginal increase – of 1.2% compared with the previous quarter and 0.7% year on year. The situation on the spot market looks considerably worse, with rates falling by 2.2% and 2% respectively. This is currently the lowest level of rates recorded since the end of 2023.

Particularly concerning is the deterioration of conditions on routes between the largest EU economies – Germany, France, Poland, Italy, and Spain. Freight volumes between these countries have fallen below 2024 levels. The declining number of orders is fuelling competition, which in turn is driving rates down further. This situation hits companies operating on the basis of one-off orders particularly hard.

The crisis is compounded by macroeconomic factors such as low consumer spending, declining demand for goods, and general uncertainty surrounding global trade. Geopolitical risks also loom in the background, including the potential introduction of new tariffs by the USA, which could further destabilise European supply chains.

Growing pressure on margins – how to fight back?

In the face of declining freight revenues, transport companies are confronted with a difficult choice. Cost reduction is a necessity, but implementing it without careful thought can have the opposite effect. Overly aggressive cuts can lead to a decline in service quality, difficulties retaining drivers, and a deterioration of operational organisation.

An increasing number of business owners are coming to understand that real savings lie not in cutting but in optimising operational processes. The key is access to data that enables better planning, analysis, and forecasting. In this context, telematics solutions are becoming a natural direction for growth.

Telematics – how to survive in tough times

Contrary to popular belief, telematics is far more than simply the ability to locate a vehicle. It is a comprehensive data ecosystem that enables monitoring and analysis of every aspect of fleet operations – from driver behaviour, through fuel consumption, to compliance with working-time regulations.

Thanks to telematics, it is possible not only to track a vehicle’s route in real time but also to obtain information about unplanned stops, excessive fuel consumption, and inefficient driving styles. Moreover, modern systems can analyse historical data and support fleet managers in making decisions that have a real impact on operating costs.

Data System products that genuinely reduce costs

Data System’s portfolio includes solutions that are not only technologically advanced but, above all, practical and tailored to the day-to-day realities of transport companies.

GPS system integrated with e-TOLL enables you to automate road charges and accurately track routes. This makes it possible to quickly detect unauthorised journeys or unnecessary detours, translating into real savings.

BakTir fuel filler protection is an effective safeguard against fuel theft – a threat that continues to affect many transport companies, especially on international routes. The system physically secures the tank and detects any attempt at unauthorised refuelling or fuel siphoning.

Fuel probes installed in the tank enable highly precise tracking of fuel consumption. Unlike data from the on-board computer, probes provide actual measurements. This makes it possible to determine which driver drives most economically, on which routes vehicles consume the most fuel, and where irregularities occur.

It is also worth mentioning the solution enabling remote tachograph download. Thanks to it, companies no longer need to bring vehicles back to the depot just to retrieve data. This significantly simplifies documentation management, improves regulatory compliance, and reduces the workload of administrative departments.

Modern fleet management – an advantage in difficult times

As the experience of many companies shows, implementing telematics is not merely an investment in technology but, above all, a change in the approach to fleet management. Instead of acting intuitively or "by feel", fleet managers are beginning to make decisions based on reliable and up-to-date data.

This makes it possible not only to eliminate unnecessary costs but also to increase driver productivity, improve delivery punctuality, and reduce the risk associated with non-compliance.

What do companies that have implemented telematics gain?

Companies already using telematics solutions are seeing real benefits, both financial and organisational. Here are some of the most frequently cited outcomes:

• A reduction in fuel consumption of up to 10–15% through driving-style analysis and route optimisation.

• Elimination of unauthorised refuelling and effective fuel protection.

• Simplified driver working-time accounting and avoidance of fines.

• Better route planning, enabling fewer empty runs and shorter delivery times.

Instead of cutting – transform your processes

During a crisis, it is tempting to resort to cuts and restrictions. However, the experience of many companies shows that it is not saving at all costs but intelligent process transformation that yields the best results. Investing in telematics tools not only helps you survive a difficult period but often enables you to emerge from it stronger, more modern, and more resilient to future market shocks.

Summary

The transport industry finds itself at a difficult juncture. Falling rates, limited demand, and economic uncertainty are factors that exert enormous pressure on carrier profitability. However, rather than waiting passively for conditions to improve, it is worth acting – and acting wisely. Solutions offered by Data System, such as GPS with e-TOLL, BakTir fuel protection, fuel probes, and remote tachograph download, enable companies to gain an advantage where chaos previously prevailed.

"Modern telematics is no longer a luxury today but a necessity. Thanks to data from GPS, fuel probes, and tachographs, companies can make decisions faster and more wisely – and that is exactly what is needed in times of crisis" – says Łukasz Działakiewicz, Product Manager at Data System.

Find out how your company can start saving today. Discover Data System solutions and contact our team of advisors to learn which options best suit your needs.

biuro@datasystem.pl

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