January 1, 2025, marked a groundbreaking moment for European transport. Bulgaria and Romania joined the Schengen Zone, eliminating border controls at their land and sea crossings. This long-awaited change will bring tangible benefits to transport companies across Europe, especially for Polish carriers. What exactly is changing, and how can you take advantage of it?
No More Hours-Long Border Delays
Until now, truck drivers traveling through Bulgaria and Romania had to endure long queues at the borders. The average waiting time was around six hours, with peak delays exceeding 72 hours! Every carrier knows that time is money – and now, with border controls removed, transport through these countries will be significantly smoother. Estimates suggest that delivery times will be reduced by an average of one day, leading to greater efficiency and cost savings for transport companies.
New Opportunities and Business Prospects
The removal of border controls opens up new perspectives for carriers. Routes passing through Bulgaria and Romania will become more attractive for transports heading to Turkey, the Middle East, or Greece. This saves time and reduces operational costs related to border delays.
Romania is also one of the fastest-growing markets in Europe, with its economy gaining significant momentum. Integration into the Schengen Zone further strengthens its position as a key logistics hub. This presents a great opportunity for Polish transport companies to expand and establish new business partnerships in the region.
How to Adapt to the New Reality?
For carriers, this is the perfect time to rethink their operational strategies, so it is worth considering:
✅ optimizing routes to take advantage of faster transit through Bulgaria and Romania,
✅ expanding cooperation with clients in this region,
✅ increasing the number of trips to Greece and Turkey,
✅ analyzing costs and potential savings from the absence of border delays.
The full integration of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen Zone is a huge opportunity for transport companies. The end of cumbersome border controls means real improvements in efficiency and cost savings for carriers. Businesses that strategically adapt to this change can significantly boost their competitiveness and attract new clients. If your company operates in international transport, now is the time to act and adjust your strategy to seize new opportunities!
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