The Canadian technology company Geotab has released a study titled “The Cost of Standing Still” – part of its European Freight Efficiency Index – in which it analyzed the efficiency of freight transport in European capital cities. Berlin topped the rankings, scoring 61 out of 100 points thanks to its steady traffic flow and well-developed urban infrastructure. Madrid posted the worst result, scoring just 25 points – representing a 144% efficiency gap between the two cities.
According to the study, freight transport efficiency depends not only on traffic volume but also on traffic predictability. Geotab notes that Berlin’s polycentric structure allows for the even distribution of traffic flows, thereby reducing the likelihood of congestion. Amsterdam took second place with 59 points, while Dublin and Rome demonstrated average performance. Paris, London, and Madrid were among the cities where unstable road conditions negatively impact delivery times, carrier costs, and emission levels.
The company emphasized that chaotic traffic creates a “structural tax burden” for businesses in the form of increased vehicle downtime and inefficient delivery time windows. Geotab’s index is based on connected vehicle data from 2025 and incorporates two key metrics: traffic flow quality and losses attributable to congestion. The study covered seven European capital cities: Berlin, Amsterdam, Dublin, Rome, Paris, London, and Madrid.