#Germany #Berlin #Geotab #Urban Freight

Study on Traffic Efficiency in Berlin

In a recent study, Geotab, a leader in connected transportation solutions, revealed that trucks operate more efficiently than cars in Berlin's urban environment. This finding is a significant departure from the common belief that trucks hinder city traffic. The research analyzed freight efficiency using data from connected vehicles across seven European capitals, namely Berlin, Amsterdam, Dublin, Rome, Paris, London, and Madrid, and provides a differentiated view of how trucks contribute to urban mobility.

Efficiency Index Findings

The intelligence report showcases the Freight Efficiency Index where trucks in Berlin scored 71 points, significantly outpacing cars, which scored 55. This 16-point advantage can be attributed to Berlin's expansive road infrastructure and its polycentric city layout, which helps in distributing traffic across various regions rather than concentrating it in a single point, thereby mitigating peak traffic jams during rush hours.

The data compiled over the entire year of 2025 highlighted that professionally managed fleets could leverage optimized route planning and avoid peak times. In contrast, the study also noted cities where trucks performed poorly compared to cars, indicating that traffic regulations and structural issues of the road network could impact the efficiency of truck operations.

In fact, the study found that across five out of seven European capitals, trucks outperformed cars in terms of operational efficiency. Rome showed the greatest discrepancy with a 26-point lead for trucks, followed closely by Berlin. Dublin and Amsterdam also demonstrated notable advantages for trucks, whereas London and Madrid presented exceptions where cars held a slight upper hand due to various reasons.

Operations in Specific Cities

Berlin: Ideal Conditions for Deliveries

The conditions in Berlin are particularly favorable for scheduled deliveries, with the reliability of transportation being rated between 95 to 100 points. This underscores the ability of fleet operators to forecast times for driving and deliveries more accurately when using historical data. Furthermore, the time lost in idling while trucks are on the road is only 8.5% of total fuel consumption, which is markedly lower than the 13.2% found in cars.

Paris: Unexpected Efficiency

In Paris, the situation seems paradoxical—despite trucks experiencing the highest idling rates at 18.2%, they still managed to achieve a total efficiency rating of 46, outperforming cars that rated 31. This suggests that trucks might be better suited to navigate specific traffic conditions, aided by advanced route optimization techniques that allow them to avoid peak congestion.

London: Structural Challenges

London serves as one of the exceptions where car traffic slightly surpasses truck efficiency scores (29 to 27). The study indicates that the substantial presence of bus lanes, narrow streets, and stringent environmental regulations severely limit the efficiency of truck movements. Truck drivers in London face both considerable fuel consumption rates and high idling times, indicating the need for a reevaluation of traffic policies to improve urban mobility in the city.

Importance of Effective Fleet Management

These insights indicate that the efficiency of road freight traffic does not solely depend on the type of vehicle used, but rather on how well fleets can navigate traffic conditions, choose optimal routes, and take advantage of off-peak times. The index serves as a valuable tool for fleet managers, providing insights into operational efficiencies and potential areas for structural improvements.

According to Fabian Seithel, AVP EMEA at Geotab, "Our data challenges the notion that trucks are the main culprits of inefficient urban traffic. In several European cities, fleets that employ structured route planning, better timing, and data-driven decision-making perform significantly better than passenger vehicles. Understanding where costs and inefficiencies arise allows fleet operators to take targeted action."

This study not only sheds light on the current state of urban freight efficiency but also serves as a roadmap for future improvements in cities, potentially transforming urban transportation management practices across Europe.